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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: jess stuart on October 24, 2018, 02:54:29 PM

Title: Limb edges
Post by: jess stuart on October 24, 2018, 02:54:29 PM

How does everyone shape the edges of their limbs?  Do you round them over or leave them sharper?  I have always rounded thinking a bump or ding would be less likely to lift a glass splinter.  I notice quite a few bows have the sharper more squared edge.  Thoughts appreciated.

Title: Re: Limb edges
Post by: Bvas on October 24, 2018, 03:44:28 PM

I'm with you Jess.  Sharp corners are more prone to chips in finish and glass damage. 

I knock the corner off with a small square file(always pushing into the limb and towards the tip), then smooth up and round off using 220 emery cloth.

Title: Re: Limb edges
Post by: kennym on October 24, 2018, 04:37:21 PM

I round over fairly well to get the sharp corner off. Not enough to really expose the wood on edge.  But you can still ding the edge!! LOL I seem to find a way when hunting...

Title: Re: Limb edges
Post by: Crooked Stic on October 24, 2018, 05:25:22 PM

20 strokes each corner with 40 grit on a flat block at 45 degrees then lay it flatter toward the center for about 4 more stokes.

Title: Re: Limb edges
Post by: monterey on October 24, 2018, 08:50:11 PM

I finish them to be like Kenny's and use the same method as Stick..

Title: Re: Limb edges
Post by: Shredd on October 24, 2018, 10:40:22 PM

I sharpen mine...  Make 'em razor sharp...   :laughing:

Title: Re: Limb edges
Post by: Crooked Stic on October 25, 2018, 10:06:56 PM

You are on the cutting edge then  :scared:

Title: Re: Limb edges
Post by: jess stuart on October 25, 2018, 10:09:50 PM

Plus in a pinch you can use it as a sword

Title: Re: Limb edges
Post by: hunting badger on October 26, 2018, 10:22:38 PM

I like them rounded but if I'm close to weight and don't want to lose an weight I leave them sharper.

Title: Re: Limb edges
Post by: bamboo on October 28, 2018, 05:35:00 AM

i break the edge with a sanding stick or file--then finish with these ----

Title: Re: Limb edges
Post by: Crooked Stic on October 28, 2018, 08:10:51 AM

Those look neat. Where you get them?

Title: Re: Limb edges
Post by: bamboo on October 29, 2018, 05:17:56 AM

rockler--- mike--$10 or so

Title: Re: Limb edges
Post by: Roy from Pa on October 29, 2018, 06:23:36 AM

Those could come in handy in bow work..

Title: Re: Limb edges
Post by: Mark R on October 29, 2018, 11:01:54 AM

I've been using something similar for years, it came in a kit with a Dremel Contuor sander that burned up on me and they quit making and servicing them,but they make an adapter to fit my Rockler Sonic Crafter and similar multi tools, and Dremel gave it to me for free witch would of never happened with out going there in person and talking to them. They have mini sanding belts for them or you can easily make your own, not sure if there still available, I do usually use them by hand to do my edges.

Title: Re: Limb edges
Post by: bamboo on October 29, 2018, 11:15:57 AM

if you break the edge like you always do then run through the higher grits with these -like 150--then 220-if want 320-- it leaves a nice look