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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Ben Woodring on February 02, 2009, 09:37:00 AM

Title: help with shop class bow build, trapping limbs
Post by: Ben Woodring on February 02, 2009, 09:37:00 AM
Need some input...I have some bows coming in heavy and want to trap the limbs.  Wide side on the belly or the back?  Any help is greatly appreciated.  Glass bows
Title: Re: help with shop class bow build, trapping limbs
Post by: Jim now in Kentucky on February 02, 2009, 09:46:00 AM
jmo, since glass is about equally strong in tension as compression, it ought to be wiser to just narrow the limbs. That's the longstanding method.

Some people narrow either the back or the front, but I think that is a spillover from self bow science. Wood is usually much stronger in tension.

I'm not a laminated bow builder, so take it fwiw
Title: Re: help with shop class bow build, trapping limbs
Post by: Ben Woodring on February 02, 2009, 09:51:00 AM
I agree with you, however at some point they are as narrow as I want them...maybe maintain some stability with trapazoid
Title: Re: help with shop class bow build, trapping limbs
Post by: Bob Sarrels on February 02, 2009, 10:14:00 AM
I chase weight of my longbows by trapping the belly side.  Make sure you are very consistant in the amount you remove along the full length of the limb and that you remove exactly the same amount on each limb edge.  To much in one place will cause a hinged effect, to much on one limb or other will change the tiller.  Restring and check often during the process.  Good luck , Bob
Title: Re: help with shop class bow build, trapping limbs
Post by: Ben Woodring on February 02, 2009, 11:25:00 AM
when you say trap the belly side are you saying make the belly narrower than the face?
Title: Re: help with shop class bow build, trapping limbs
Post by: Bob Sarrels on February 02, 2009, 12:31:00 PM
yes
Title: Re: help with shop class bow build, trapping limbs
Post by: wingnut on February 02, 2009, 12:42:00 PM
How much weight are you trying to remove.  And how thick is your belly glass?

Mike