I am making a bamboo backed Ipe bow from a board. It is 68 inches and has an even arc during tillering. It is up to 52# at 25 inches and this is about the weight I am attempting. It had a glued on handle, the action word is "had". I got her a little thin approaching the handle and the glued on piece popped off. I can feel the flex through the handle. My concern is that I have a handle that is 3/4 in thick from back to belly which feels uncomfortable. I have not made a bend thru the handle before. Is the thin handle going to be a problem or is this standard on these type of bows? Also, I am guessing that there is no way to keep a glue-on addition on the bow now that the handle is flexing. Anyone with any thoughts. Thanks
What kind of glue did you use?
I had something very similar happen to me and I am waiting on my epoxy from 3R's. The fellas helped me out and pointed me in the right direction. Hope this helps.
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=006337
I used Titebond III. No problems in the past with delamination of backing. My concern of adding an epoxy bond now that I have flexion in the handle section is whether I am setting myself up for delam in the future. Any thoughts on epoxy holding once there is movement in the handle?
Thanks
B
I only use urac. Build up your handle with a couple of 1/8" strips first, glue with urac, feather them out so they will flex if needed then add the bulk of your handle wood. Your handle will stay on.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v181/ekrewson/bow%20making/bondofixhandle.jpg)
I would not make it into a 68" bendy handle bow. You can definitely build it up like Eric says and make the handle rigid again. It will work.
My experience is exactly as Erics. I also only trust urac-185 for the handles.
Ron