Installing leather grip?

[Don Armstrong]

I have put a couple of lether grips on self bows using the excelent "how to" by Eric. I would like to put a leather grip on one of my longbows, I made, but would like to lace it on. Do I still use contact cement and how much gap do I need to draw the grip closed. Thanks, Don

[JRY309]

I still use some Barge cement when I lace on a leather grip.I leave alittle gap,then I'll draw it together when lacing it up.

[Buckwheaties]

I use Barge cement or contact cement(Home Depot), both work equally well. I put the cement on three sides and apply the wrap while it's still wet(not according to the directions) and keep working it down until it sets up. Then I use a thin metal strip laid across the back of the bow under the over wrapped leather and cut the center. Then punch the holes and put a thin coat of cement on and while still wet, lace it up. No need to stretch it. Stays on good. There may be better ways but this works good for me.

[Tatersalad]

go to the below link bowdoc posted a how to restoration tips and he shows how to install a leather grip on an old bear....should be just what you need.  Few tricks that i would not have thought of the first time....maybe by the 5th or 6th time i did it.


http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=001670

[portugeejn]

I do mine the same way as Buckwheaties, which proves that great minds think alike     !

If you use this technique you can "adjust" the amount of gap to give you a good fit when you lace it up.  I like to use a baseball stitch (I think it looks the best).  Here is a website with lots of different stitching techniques.

  Hand Stitching Techniques

RonP

[Don Armstrong]

Thanks for all the help. Don