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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: mzombek on November 24, 2019, 10:30:55 AM

Title: Mule tape
Post by: mzombek on November 24, 2019, 10:30:55 AM

Good morning guys. Got a question for those of you that use compressed air hose for forms.
Because I glue up my bows by myself, I have a hard time gluing,aligning and laying down the hose and finally the top form.
Has anyone used mule tape to hold down the hose on the bottom of form without using the top form? Mule tape is the cord that electricians use to pull wire through conduit.
Thanks for your help

Title: Re: Mule tape
Post by: Flem on November 24, 2019, 10:47:44 AM

I used to have the same problem. Slipping and sliding all over the place despite all kinds of bondage.
Then I decided to think outside the form and ended up with this;
 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
It's like having a thousand little hands holding and squeezing your bow in place

Title: Re: Mule tape
Post by: Forwardhandle on November 24, 2019, 11:01:25 AM

Yep I use it all the time if your going to make a form for it I would recomend using metal in the pegs I tried wood and they broke !

Title: Re: Mule tape
Post by: Crooked Stic on November 24, 2019, 02:05:52 PM

Search it on the big auction site.

Title: Re: Mule tape
Post by: garyschuler on November 24, 2019, 02:30:04 PM

I use strapping tape, I tape the center of riser first then the end of fades and work from center to tips. Usually about 4-6 on each limb, checking alignment as I go. Then cover with freezer plastic and use painters tape on that. Use just enough to hold plastic and add hose then the top form. You need to start taping  at the center of riser and work out from there, alternating to bow ends as you go.

Title: Re: Mule tape
Post by: monterey on November 24, 2019, 04:15:45 PM

I use paracord with no issues.

Title: Re: Mule tape
Post by: jess stuart on November 24, 2019, 07:28:02 PM

I do like Gary.  If you only apply a few pounds of pressure to your hose you can move and realign things, then slowly take it up to full pressure.  That has always kept things from sliding around to bad for  me.

Title: Re: Mule tape
Post by: Tim Finley on November 24, 2019, 07:51:04 PM

Why not just put a top on your form with air hose in between ? Seems easier to me than all the rubber bands and other stuff.

Title: Re: Mule tape
Post by: monterey on November 25, 2019, 01:26:42 AM

I use the bands or tied down hose to allow flexibility in riser design.

Title: Re: Mule tape
Post by: Forwardhandle on November 25, 2019, 04:15:14 AM

I use the topless for the same reason ,riser lengths, Big Bob 2 shared his zip tye method for holding the lams & presure strip
In place while applying the hose & top in a topped form ,it works great !

Title: Re: Mule tape
Post by: monterey on November 25, 2019, 02:11:49 PM

X2 on the zips.  I  also have side jigger dealys to prevent squiggle.  Also lam blocks on each end of the form to prevent lengthwise slippage.   On a 1.5" lay up I'm getting very close to 1.5" at the fades.