Well I am in the middle of the 4est build along and it was progressing well. Last night my buddy convinced me a router is the way to get really nice rounded edges, which was, until we took a chunk out of one of the limb tips (see picture) Now I'm trying to figure out what to do.
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_0821.jpg)
I was thinking of just shaping out the top and cutting string grooves below the chunk missing and skipping the limb tip overlays. Will the tips be strong enough though? The Bow is 68" end to end and I am shooting for 50-55 lbs.
I also thought of sanding it flat and adding larger overlays, but I'm not sure how it turn out. Any advice?
One other quick question for you experts, I uncovered a small knot mid limb on the belly side, it dosn't go thought to the back, and I am not sure if it will affect the strength of the limb, what do you think? (see picture)
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_0824.jpg)
Thanks for helping out a first time bowyer!
(http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu323/jgoemaat1/IMG_0825.jpg)
I made my first working longbow recently, and I did tip overlays. I think that it would negate any structural problem, and for cosmetic purposes you could probably fill the divot.
I dont know if you can make out the tips in this shot
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y228/Dryfly1958/Bow%20stuff/braced.jpg)
Is the ding on the belly or the back? In truth, the limb does almost zero work that close to the tips. If it's on the back, add tip overlays. Use epoxy, as it will fill the gap. If it's on the belly, you could do a cosmetic fill with wood filler. Also, that knot shouldn't pose a problem. You could saturate it with superglue, but there's so much working area AND it's on the belly and won't be undergoing tension. Shouldn't really be a problem. I've built many with knots like that, even on the back.
Keep us posted!
Super glue and saw dust. Put it down in layers so you don't get any voids. It will sand smooth and you can file a grove in it if needed.
also remember, power tools (for the most part) lead only to tears. they are good for cutting to rough dimensions but then switch to hand tools to clean up to your lines.
Thanks for the input. The resources on this site never cease to amaze me. Thanks, we'll let you know how it shoots!
Justin
How is your bow working out. My first is just about done, going to shoot it a bunch tonight and get the brace height right.
If your buddy suggests power tools as agressive as a router again, let him shoot the bow first. A good whack on the noggin from a broken bow is a good teaching tool, so I have heard :)
The bow is going well. I decided on using wood glue and sawdust to fill in the void. Just getting ready to tiller once I scrounge up something to use as a bow scale. Looking forward to the first shot!