Trad Gang

Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Susquehannariverarcher on August 22, 2025, 07:46:15 PM

Title: Sight window
Post by: Susquehannariverarcher on August 22, 2025, 07:46:15 PM
Im currently using the table saw method for my sight windows. Ive tried a hacksaw for the shelf and edge sander for the rest. Im looking for other ideas to try to see if I can find something I like.
Title: Re: Sight window
Post by: Kirkll on August 23, 2025, 10:51:09 AM
This might be helpful

https://youtu.be/tipv4gvFl4A?feature=shared
Title: Re: Sight window
Post by: Susquehannariverarcher on August 26, 2025, 07:15:26 AM
Quote from: Kirkll on August 23, 2025, 10:51:09 AMThis might be helpful

https://youtu.be/tipv4gvFl4A?feature=shared

Thanks Kirk. Do you use the bandsaw for 1 piece bows? Im assuming carbide tipped blade if you do?
Title: Re: Sight window
Post by: Kirkll on August 26, 2025, 10:40:05 AM
Quote from: Susquehannariverarcher on August 26, 2025, 07:15:26 AM
Quote from: Kirkll on August 23, 2025, 10:51:09 AMThis might be helpful

https://youtu.be/tipv4gvFl4A?feature=shared

Thanks Kirk. Do you use the bandsaw for 1 piece bows? Im assuming carbide tipped blade if you do?

On a one piece bow I use a hacksaw for the cross cut on the shelf, then use the bandsaw with a carbide tipped blade for the rip for the strike plate to rough it out.


In the past I experimented with using a router, and even the vertical mill with a cutter blade, but that's tricky due to tear out issues common using high speed cutter blades. Fiberglass splinters very easily cross cutting it with router bits. I have much better luck with carbide tipped bandsaw blades.

Hope this helps... Kirk
Title: Re: Sight window
Post by: derekdiruz on August 26, 2025, 10:46:34 AM
Honestly, the easiest thing to do is use a CNC, Porter. Cmon.
Title: Re: Sight window
Post by: Susquehannariverarcher on August 26, 2025, 09:08:28 PM
Quote from: derekdiruz on August 26, 2025, 10:46:34 AMHonestly, the easiest thing to do is use a CNC, Porter. Cmon.

Thats why I didnt ask you!
Title: Re: Sight window
Post by: Susquehannariverarcher on August 26, 2025, 09:08:52 PM
Quote from: Kirkll on August 26, 2025, 10:40:05 AM
Quote from: Susquehannariverarcher on August 26, 2025, 07:15:26 AM
Quote from: Kirkll on August 23, 2025, 10:51:09 AMThis might be helpful

https://youtu.be/tipv4gvFl4A?feature=shared

Thanks Kirk. Do you use the bandsaw for 1 piece bows? Im assuming carbide tipped blade if you do?

On a one piece bow I use a hacksaw for the cross cut on the shelf, then use the bandsaw with a carbide tipped blade for the rip for the strike plate to rough it out.


In the past I experimented with using a router, and even the vertical mill with a cutter blade, but that's tricky due to tear out issues common using high speed cutter blades. Fiberglass splinters very easily cross cutting it with router bits. I have much better luck with carbide tipped bandsaw blades.

Hope this helps... Kirk

Ill give that a try! Thanks
Title: Re: Sight window
Post by: dbeaver on August 26, 2025, 09:32:26 PM
Ive seen Big Jim in the past route the radius of the shelf before glue up which would eliminate that fiberglass pullout and then youd just need bandsaw down to the relief cut made by the router.  Forces you to stick with your initial assumption of top and bottom limb in a one piece so there is a little less forgiving tiller variability.
Title: Re: Sight window
Post by: jess stuart on August 29, 2025, 10:21:45 PM
I have always backed my risers with glass.  To save my bandsaw blades I cut the window before backing.  I wrap the window cutout with plastic wrap reinsert in riser.  Put the backing glass on remove the wrapped cut out and grind the glass to fit the window.  Works for me