2019 Bow Swap Thread

[Flem]

Looks like that Z splice would be stronger if the shear force was not perpendicular to the glue lines. A "V" splice cut the width of the board, like in a footed arrow would distribute the shear force over a larger glued surface and have twice the glued surface of a simple scarf joint.

[skeaterbait]

I certainly see the need for a Z splice in a Tri-lam but not sure it would be necessary in a glass bow since you really only need the scarf to hold things place while you get clamped down?

[Flem]

I certainly see the need for a Z splice in a Tri-lam but not sure it would be necessary in a glass bow since you really only need the scarf to hold things place while you get clamped down?

Absolutely true. I believe Roy and Ben were both referring to all wood bows.

[skeaterbait]

Yep, looking back at the pics those do look to be thicker than lams for a glass bow.

[Roy from Pa]

Absolutely true. I believe Roy and Ben were both referring to all wood bows.

Is there any other type of bow?

 

Also in my wood bows, there are 3 or 4  lams, plus a 1 inch thick riser, all centered right over the Z splice.

Never had a bow break there at the Z splice.

You gwass girls sure are fussy:)

[BMorv]

A 2.5" tapered finger joint has more glue surface area than a 4" Z splice. 

A scarf is fine for most tri lams where the riser is strong enough.  A Z is stronger though and I would use that if I was adding a handle wrap. 

Check Bowyer's Bible 4 section on laminated bows.  They build a tri lam with scarf joints   

[Flem]

"Is there any other type of bow?"

Well.......
The Ultimate Supreme Peerless bow would not have any glue.

[Roy from Pa]

And how much of that is left, after the handle is cut to shape, Mr. Benny?

[BMorv]

Almost all of it.  See how it necks down narrower where the splice is?  And since it's only 2.5" long you can cut in a shelf without touching the splice.

[Roy from Pa]

I see.

[BMorv]

You used to post on PA, so I know you heard of Marc St. Louis.  He wrote an article in PA magazine explaining the advantages/disadvantages of the common splice configurations Z, V, and tapered finger joint.  He only uses the tapered finger joint. 

[Roy from Pa]

I may try it for fun sometime.

Been over a 100 bows come out of my shop with the Z splice and no problems though.

[Bvas]

I may try it for fun sometime.

Been over a 100 bows come out of my shop with the Z splice and no problems though.

How many got hit by lightnin before they made it outa the shop?

[Roy from Pa]

Couple:)

[Bvas]

Couple:)

Couple what?
Dozen?
Hundred?

[Roy from Pa]

Yup.

[Fishinglink]

Ok so that was a bigger can of worms than anticipated. I have some scrap pine around here so I’m going to glue a couple test splices and see how I do. I see the benefits both ways. Scarf for ease and Z for strength. In the end I got two bows to build so may try both methods. Maybe scarf the core and Z on the belly lam. At least I don’t have to hit an extreme draw weight.

Thanks guys. Back to business as usual.

Cody.


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[Roy from Pa]

Post pictures as you go along, Cody.

I've seen those scarf splices and don't think too much of em...

They say a little heat and they fall right apart too:)

 

[Bvas]

Finally making some progress. Hopefully I can get the ramps cut and sanded tomorrow and possibly glue up this weekend

[Roy from Pa]

Ya making a riser out of scraps?