Got my first bow here, was my dads from the 60's, got a question about a repair

Dobrien114 · December 26, 2016, 06:59:00 PM

So i got thus bow from when my dad was a kid, but theres a sloght problem, theres fiberglass lifting right where the string would lay, i was wondering if anyone could give some advice on how i would go about fixing this.

Some info on the bow:

Made by the Cravotta brothers in the 60's i believe.
Its the Black Hawk Avenger model.
50# at 28 inches from what i can see. (its pretty faded away)
Its for right handers.

Here are some pics of where the fiberglass is lifting.
web page

luv2bowhunt · December 26, 2016, 09:51:00 PM

I would just hang it on the wall as a keep sake, I don't know if it is possible to repair the glass lifting like that.

Captain*Kirk · December 26, 2016, 10:32:00 PM

+1. You might be able to send it to a competent bowyer, but I would guess once the glass starts to separate, it becomes an heirloom.

South MS Bowhunter · December 26, 2016, 10:32:00 PM

Look up JameV on here through the directory. He could give you a solid answer if it's repairable.

Dobrien114 · December 27, 2016, 11:43:00 AM

Awesome, thanks for the advice guys. But this can't be that big of an issue can it? Thats the only spot on the bow where the glass is lifting, couldn't someone clean the area and then reglue it, then clamp it down overnight?

Tyler C. Moore · December 28, 2016, 02:14:00 PM

Where in mass are you? If you post some pics it would help

Dobrien114 · December 28, 2016, 06:05:00 PM

Im in Rockland right now for vacation, but i live in somerville. And i put a link to my google drive, im not sure if it works for anyone here, im on my cell phone here since i dont have a computer with me

Homebru · December 28, 2016, 09:01:00 PM

Just below the string groove. I can rename his file and download it and do anything I want but can't figure out the image URL.
homebru

Homebru · December 28, 2016, 09:05:00 PM

If you click here you should be able to see the images.
homebru

Whip · December 28, 2016, 09:29:00 PM

When I had the Bow Hospital business (now run by John Rafferty and a sponsor here) I did repairs on a couple bows with the same issue.
My solution was to glue the lifted section down with Loctite 420 and then add an overlay of a piece of fiberglass to keep it from lifting again. Did it work and are the bows still being shot? I really don't know, but I think it is worth a try especially on a bow with a personal or family history. I'd give John at the Bow Hospital a call.

Dobrien114 · December 28, 2016, 10:30:00 PM

So you're saying i could glue it down, and then glue an overlay on top of it? It seems like it would work still if that overlay is thin enough to allow it to be strung. My dad and I would like to get it shooting again, i got clamps, and i can head to home depot or somewhere and get the loctite. I'm confident i can fix this myself, being that this seems really simple to do. I don't want to waste any bowyer's time if the fix is so simple

Dobrien114 · December 28, 2016, 10:41:00 PM

Oh and thanks for getting the link working homebru, i appreciate it

neargeezer · December 28, 2016, 11:08:00 PM

I would think you would want to shape a piece of hardwood for both sides of the limb an inch or so longer either side of the split. These would be the "forms" that you could set you clamps to. It might be possible to misshape the limb tip with just a non curved shim under the clamp.

Another hazard would be for the glue to squeeze out and glue the shim to the bow. I have never done this type of repair, but I know it is very easy to unintentionally glue protective shims to the surface your trying to fix.

Others will have much more experience with bows, mine is in finish carpentry. Yes, I continually find new mistakes to make.

Dobrien114 · December 28, 2016, 11:15:00 PM

I think for that i would just put some cardboard under the wood, that way i have something i can somewhat easily take off without messing the bow up, ill also be mindful of the squeeze out and clean it off as quick as i can, thanks for suggesting that, i hadnt though of shaping my shims

Jon Stewart · December 29, 2016, 07:19:00 AM

Trouble is, that thing lets loose at full draw you are going to know it.

The glue let loose for a reason and who knows if the glue is going to let loose in another area. My biggest fear would be my eyesight if it lets loose.

I would glue it and hang it in a place of honor in memory of your dad.

Dobrien114 · December 29, 2016, 01:54:00 PM

Well he left it in a place that gets damp resting on the limb where im getting that lift, so i think thats why it lifted. The rest of the bow looks good though, just a little dirty. I may glue it and hang it up, then him and i could get a new bow and use it instead.

tecum-tha · December 29, 2016, 06:36:00 PM

This bow is done. Was probably shot a few times with a high performance bowstring. The damage occurred right where the string would "cut" into the limbs. Hang it on the wall.

kenneth butler · December 29, 2016, 07:00:00 PM

If it were mine. I would glue it and wrap it tight with strong thread for an inch or two and coat the thread with super glue. Wrap the other end the same for looks and balance. If you use an overlay You refile the string grooves. To add strength you could add overlay on the back of both tips and refile the grooves and reshape the tips. That won't keep the glass from separating again but would prevent a more serious/dangerous break.I suppose there is an element of danger but with good reinforcement---well I just don't like to waste things. Ken