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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Forwardhandle on November 04, 2018, 12:41:32 PM

Title: Bear paw power carbon core ? & General uni-Carbon discussion !
Post by: Forwardhandle on November 04, 2018, 12:41:32 PM
Has any body used Bear paw power carbon core yet ? I haven't been able to find much info on it other then from the manufactory  that you can reduce core thickness ?
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: C. Johnson on November 06, 2018, 09:40:34 AM
Never even heard of it.  Sounds interesting though.  Who's selling it? 
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Forwardhandle on November 06, 2018, 10:54:16 AM
I guess the only distributor is Kustom King but the guy that knows any thing about it is out of town ,so I just went with Gordon .020 carbon but it sounds interesting its not a neutral core but cant find any specs. Maybe try it in the future ! Its cheaper but its only .015
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: C. Johnson on November 06, 2018, 12:12:53 PM
I've been wanting to try that woven carbon material that (I think) OMC sells just because it looks cool.  Maybe the carbon core would add a little speed?
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Mark R on November 06, 2018, 03:01:13 PM
Its just unidirectional carbon, stabil core is woven, uni can ad some zip but it depends on design and other factors, I've used uni carbon  under carbon backing and it put some real zip in a 58" recurve I make and a little in other designs, experiment.
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Forwardhandle on November 06, 2018, 03:08:33 PM
Thanks Mark I know very little about carbon just using it for the first time this week ends glue up but thought the power core might be useful under glass for future bows to add stability getting the limbs thinner !
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: BrushWolf on November 06, 2018, 03:14:31 PM
I used it years ago. The bow ended up about 25 lb heavy. It was paired with stable kore. The stable kore didn't add the weight cause I've use it alone in other bows. Now if you want something pretty awesome the carbon weave from OMC is it. I've been playing with it here lately and like it.
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Forwardhandle on November 06, 2018, 03:23:42 PM
I saw that at OMC , what do you do Mike scarf joint the 36 in. lams like regular lams ?
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Mark R on November 06, 2018, 03:33:42 PM
Stabil core is woven for stability and I'm not sure if its carbon,then there's carbon backing witch is a special weave and lay up, not all is the same lay up and different thicknesses, it's used as backing, and unidirectional can be used anywhere in between, I like to use uni carbon right under carbon backing with foam cores and a bow glass belly.Lots of variables. It can make a difference with a good design and core layup, especially in a highbreed. Again experiment a little.
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Forwardhandle on November 06, 2018, 04:00:39 PM
On this bow had the lams ground for a 62 in. Bow using stabil-kore in the mix ,so skipping the stabil-kore and added the carbon under the .041 glass was told the .020 Gordon's will add 5 lb. but also picked up another .005 in thickness about 4 lb. so extending the bow out to 64 in. instead of 62 in. I think I should be close all Swagg exsperment !
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Mark R on November 06, 2018, 04:46:42 PM
Sounds good let us know how it works out.
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: BrushWolf on November 06, 2018, 07:34:57 PM
I saw that at OMC , what do you do Mike scarf joint the 36 in. lams like regular lams ?

Everything I've made has been a takedown.
(http://i.imgur.com/wtT1w9M.jpg)
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: monterey on November 06, 2018, 09:07:47 PM
Wonder how it would compare if the carbon is on the belly side?
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Forwardhandle on November 07, 2018, 03:06:29 AM
I love the looks of that stuff did you ever compare the weight to glass ? I was wondering the same about belly ?
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: BrushWolf on November 07, 2018, 07:09:52 AM
I never weighed it but it seemed lighter. It took 23 thousands out of my stack and the stability is incredible. They do make a 2ply that goes on the belly. When I talk to OMC they said it goes over top of.030 glass. I haven't tried it yet.  I got the impression the 4ply on the back does most of the work. Plus I still like to see some pretty veneers.
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Forwardhandle on November 13, 2018, 04:09:07 PM
I did a little more checking around on this carbon core nobody knows much about using it as far as draw weight added with it but at .015 I'm swag at maybe 4lb but does any body know the best way to trim carbon width down it only comes in 1 3/4 in width ?
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Mark R on November 14, 2018, 12:15:35 PM
I use a trim router with the carbon between factory edge plywood, just like formica
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Forwardhandle on November 14, 2018, 03:28:48 PM
Thanks Mark I have 2 hand routers a router table but no trim router I suppose I could use the hand routers but bulky , I'm little hesitant to use this stuff as so little info available on it but like that it comes at .015,thickness, the thinnest Gordon's I have seen is .020 that I just used in my current build is there any other .015 thick uni carbon out there ?
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Mark R on November 15, 2018, 04:13:41 PM
You can use a regular router with the proper bit you just have to make sure the thin carbon is secure or it will want to flex all over the place. Some good shears might work.
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Mark R on November 15, 2018, 04:16:37 PM
You can use a regular router with the proper bit you just have to make sure the thin carbon is secure or it will want to flex all over the place. Some good shears might work.
Its not the most fun stuff to work with safety first.
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Forwardhandle on November 15, 2018, 04:40:33 PM
Thanks I'm going to try this on my next bow with the stack designed for stabil-kore ,so figuring I will pick up 4-5 lb swag going to put it under .030 glass on the back & stabil-kore under .030 on the belly I will try to cut it with it sandwiched between 1 1/2 flat stock and the bench and exacto knife did that with the stabil Kore and it worked good, I think the router would work on thicker stuff well !
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Crooked Stic on November 15, 2018, 07:32:17 PM
Not sure the carbon will be as effective under the glass.

Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Forwardhandle on November 16, 2018, 01:25:39 AM
Ok why ? I thought this core type carbon has to be under glass ? But like I said I just started using it ?
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Crooked Stic on November 16, 2018, 08:15:43 AM
Carbon being good under tension will do its best work on the outer most part of the limb. On the belly a different story where carbon sometimes over powers the core and causes failure. What you really notice is how the limb feels after the shot being pretty much a dead stop. Although you may get that carbon ring after the shot to. For those that have time and funds to research and do carbon right for their designs it can be a plus.
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Forwardhandle on November 16, 2018, 09:04:10 AM
Thanks Mike what I was shooting for was stability beeing able to narrow up the limbs as much as posible trying to keep the limb mass light , I have always liked light skinny hunting bows , maybe I will just stick with stabil core then on this next one & finish out the one I have all ready glued up with carbon under the glass , thanks for the help !
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Crooked Stic on November 16, 2018, 09:16:33 AM
Your narrow deeper cored limb will be more stable. And the stable core would be a plus.
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Bivyhunter on November 17, 2018, 09:55:59 PM
I’ve had good luck ripping unidirectional carbon on the tablesaw with a zero clearance insert under the blade
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Shredd on November 17, 2018, 10:38:18 PM
I’ve had good luck ripping unidirectional carbon on the tablesaw with a zero clearance insert under the blade

  I am not sure what you are talking about...  Do you have a pic of how you do it??   Always wanting to learn a new trick...

   I rip fiberglass with a tablesaw but this carbon they are talking about is so thin I am not sure how it would work out with a saw... 
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Crooked Stic on November 18, 2018, 01:25:17 AM
https://www.woodmagazine.com/woodworking-plans/tablesaw/zero-clearance-insert
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: kennym on November 18, 2018, 11:47:52 AM
If I have to rip glass, I set fence on table saw to desired width, clamp a pc of 1/4" plywood against fence ., and raise blade thru it. Instant zero clearance insert ....


It doesn't try to go under fence that way either.


A pc of scrap rabbeted out for a quarter inch or so for  thickness of  stock to hold work against fence helps too
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Forwardhandle on November 18, 2018, 12:00:39 PM
I do the same as kenny quick zero clearence ,I also have cross cut sleds the same way but this carbon at least in .020 seems like its a bit fragile I would be hesitent to rip it on the table saw unless it was sandwiched between wood !
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Bivyhunter on December 15, 2018, 03:21:09 PM
I rip the unidirectional carbon all the time on my tablesaw with a zero clearance backer, works fine
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Forwardhandle on December 15, 2018, 04:31:15 PM
Thanks Bivy I will stick that in my pocket for the future use I opted for 1 1/2" x.020 so didn't need to rip it !
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Mark R on December 18, 2018, 10:25:02 AM
I,ve been locked out of the lets talk uni carbon subject and yet I get emailed to respond to a comment about the subject, can anyone shed some light on whats going on.
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ?
Post by: Forwardhandle on December 18, 2018, 10:33:47 AM
I dont know they locked me out to & Im the OP Mark ,oh well we can continue it here and I will modify the title , so you can coment here , its a interesting topic to me !
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ? & General uni-Carbon discussion !
Post by: Mark R on December 18, 2018, 10:56:17 AM
Thanks Rich, I tried messaging Terry Green and he had me locked out of that also, just wondering whats going on.As far as uni carbon goes my previous post on it is what I've experienced with it, and the answers I got talking to experienced bowyers I respect. Ripping that whippy stuff for the first time when you only bought one piece can be questionable even for the seasoned skilled craftsmen.
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ? & General uni-Carbon discussion !
Post by: Forwardhandle on December 18, 2018, 11:04:06 AM
Yes even the .020 stuff I got the first time had a minor split in the end the second strip was perfect ,but me personally if Im going to experiment with the .015 stuff, Im going to cut it like stabil-kore using a strait edge & exacto knife , they probably would sell more of it if they sold it in comon dimensions !
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ? & General uni-Carbon discussion !
Post by: Mark R on December 18, 2018, 11:53:19 AM
I agree, makes me wonder why getting 1-1/2" is a problem. I think next time if I have to cut it I'll use a zero clearance backer and a soft featherboard over top to make sure it does'nt buckle or ride up on me after I put some painters tape over it  to keep the splinters down, and put on the apron, safety glasses , and respirator, the last thing I want is getting those carbon splinters and dust under my skin and in my lungs.Now if I did'nt have the proper safety gear It would cost alot more than what was paid for the one piece of carbon not to mention the prep work. :laughing:
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ? & General uni-Carbon discussion !
Post by: Forwardhandle on December 18, 2018, 12:31:59 PM
Well I started with the Gordons .020 ,I will stick with it for figuring stack plus its all ready dimensioned, some say it isn't consistent in thickness but the 2 strips I got caliper the same so will see , my current bow is designed for 40 lb. with glass so I should have a barometer for stack dimensions after its done !
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ? & General uni-Carbon discussion !
Post by: avcase on December 18, 2018, 03:45:35 PM
I found a material data sheet on Stabil Core, which gives an idea of what it is composed of. It appears to be made from a thin layer of carbon cloth with the fibers at 0 & 90 degrees, followed by a much heavier layer of 0-90 glass cloth, and finally another thin layer of 0-90 carbon cloth. I don’t have a sample of this, but if I did, then I’d cut off a small piece and burn away the resin to see how the fibers are oriented. It will help torsional stability most if the strands are oriented at 45 degrees relative to its length, but it doesn’t seem to be made this way according to Bear Paw’s description. If the strands are oriented at 0-90 degrees, then it will help prevent splits, but not live up to its potential for improving torsional stability.

The stiffness or Elastic modulus of Stabil Core is about 1/3rd that of Gordon’s Unidirectional carbon, and the tensile strength is about 1/5th that of Gordon’s unidirectional carbon. In addition, the density of the Stabil Core is much higher than unidirectional carbon fiber, almost as high as regular glass!  I am not sure why this is like this given Bearpaw’s low published value of fiber volume at 25%.  I would consider this a very sub-par material based on BearPaw’s published data. Bearpaw may be using the glass in this composite to help keep it from splitting apart during handling, but this adds dead weight too. 

http://www.bearpaw-blog.de/bilder/bearpaw-stabilcore.pdf (http://www.bearpaw-blog.de/bilder/bearpaw-stabilcore.pdf)

Alan
Title: Re: Bear paw power carbon core ? & General uni-Carbon discussion !
Post by: Forwardhandle on December 18, 2018, 06:13:47 PM
Thanks for the informative post a lot of useful info in it ,I have no hands on experience with Stabil core all thought I have it here ,but others here have used it , others have said uni-carbon doesn't help much with torsional stability but I had no stability issues getting my limbs more narrow then usual , it's fun to me  exspermenting hands on with different materials and experiencing the results !