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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Talin342 on March 11, 2009, 11:27:00 AM

Title: Single lam bow questions
Post by: Talin342 on March 11, 2009, 11:27:00 AM

I've built a couple of cloth-backed bows before and wanted to try my hand at a hickory backed red-oak bow.  I have some Titebond III that I was going to use to attach the back to the belly.  Does anyone have any suggestions regarding how to prepare the surfaces?

Also, I'd like to put a bit of reflex into this bow how much should the tips curve forward (I'm thinking maybe 4" forward of straight)? How far down from the tips should I start the reflex?

Thanks

Title: Re: Single lam bow questions
Post by: Pat B on March 11, 2009, 11:40:00 AM

TBIII will work fine for backing your bow with hickory. I have done a few red oak/hickory bows with good results. You want both surfaces flat and smooth. I wipe both surfaces with acetone and even though neither of those woods are oily your hand oil will be on the wood.
  Two to 3" of backset is plenty. What I do is place the tips on wood blocks with the back up and pull the handle down so the tips are forward of the handle. If you pre-tiller(enough for an even bend) the belly first you will get an even bend on your finished bow. I like reflexed bows to bend from the handle out almost to the tips.