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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: JoeFlanagan on August 04, 2016, 05:26:00 PM

Title: Long bow delamination
Post by: JoeFlanagan on August 04, 2016, 05:26:00 PM
I have some delamination of the fiberglass on one of my bows. I'd like to keep this bow as a usable bow. Now, modern fiberglass laminate bows are out of my relm of knowledge as far as making and repairs other than a few things here and there.  
I need help to repair this issue, so if you have had this happen and repaired it with success please help.
Sending it back to the bowyer is not something I want to do just yet do to the very high cost of shipping.
It is a hill style bow and the delamination occurred on the back starting at the fades into the handle on the lower limb.   (https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/13925485_1231826396830071_6006068313893810353_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9)
Title: Re: Long bow delamination
Post by: macbow on August 04, 2016, 07:38:00 PM
My first concern is if rhe glue on the rest of the laminations is still good.
For fibreglass I would use smooth on glue. Could,use a very thin spatula etc to get it liberally inside. Then moderate clamping.
As long as the ambient temp. Is 80 degrees it should not,need a heat box.

Shipping in the USA priority would be about the same as the cost of the smooth on glue.
Title: Re: Long bow delamination
Post by: JoeFlanagan on August 04, 2016, 07:41:00 PM
Thank you very much. Side note, it would be shipped to England.
Btw, it's Myrtle limbs and cherry handle and 120# @ 30"
Title: Re: Long bow delamination
Post by: macbow on August 04, 2016, 08:16:00 PM
Wow some heavy duty stuff.
Big difference on shipping.

Be nice if you could find a bowyer in your local area that might already have glue.
Title: Re: Long bow delamination
Post by: bamboo on August 04, 2016, 09:01:00 PM
I would cut the stitching on that grip ----if that paper slides to there I would assume its delammed further
--also  when you get the glue under the glass----thread some monofilament fishing line under the glass and while sawing and sliding you can force the glue all the way to the furthest limits of the damage-then yank the line out-I fixed one delammed from the tip to just passed the fade and its still shooting after ten years--so there is hope!!
   good luck!!
Title: Re: Long bow delamination
Post by: SportHunter on August 05, 2016, 08:41:00 AM
Since the separation is at the fade I suspect some flex is happening at the fade that the bond failed due to stress, especially when considering the high draw weight. I would contact the bowyer, it may be more cost effective for them to replace it than attempt a repair.
Title: Re: Long bow delamination
Post by: monterey on August 05, 2016, 09:07:00 AM
I wonder how thick the glass alone is?  120# limbs and .030 or .040 glass could be a recipe for a de lam.  Not sure though.  Just intuition kicking in.
Title: Re: Long bow delamination
Post by: canopyboy on August 05, 2016, 03:29:00 PM
I don't think I'd shoot a delaminated bow with a "lets stick some glue in there and see what happens" kind of fix, especially one of that weight. If it was a bow of my make and I didn't want to just make a new one, I'd at least peel the glass off the rest of the way and then put it back in a matching form with smooth-on and new glass, then trim, sand, check tiller, and refinish. But glass, glue, and making a new form will likely cost more than sending it back. That's assuming they would do under warranty. If not, probably better to find a state side bowyer to fix for you.
Title: Re: Long bow delamination
Post by: mikkekeswick on August 08, 2016, 02:14:00 AM
Just out of interest who made that for you?