Trad Gang

Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Lee Robinson . on April 15, 2011, 10:37:00 PM

Title: Less expensive glass for kid bows (48" to 50" length)
Post by: Lee Robinson . on April 15, 2011, 10:37:00 PM
I was hoping to find some glass that would be suitable for producing some youth bows with that would allow me to lower the costs of materials used in 15# bows that simply don't need "maximum" strength materials. I don't want the costs of materials of a kid bow to equal that of an adult bow.

Does anyone know where I could get glass in 1 & 1/2" to 1 & 3/4" wide and in 50" lengths...preferably in 0.030," 0.040," or 0.043"?

P.S. I don't want junk...just something less pricy than full length 72" UL & ULS glass. It still needs to be of decent quality even if only for kid bows. I will be glad to still use UL and ULS glass in kid bows, but would like to find it in 50" length...as I don't like throwing 2 pieces of glass that are 2 feet quality in length away every time I make a 42-48" kid bow.
Title: Re: Less expensive glass for kid bows (48" to 50" length)
Post by: bjansen on April 16, 2011, 08:13:00 AM
My only thought is purchasing the roll of glass that Kustom King offers, which would allow you to cut it to you desired length and not waste that excess from a full strip.
Title: Re: Less expensive glass for kid bows (48" to 50" length)
Post by: Blue EagleBum on April 16, 2011, 10:44:00 AM
May want to contact Gordon Composites. Just looked at their site and its says they do lengths of 6" to 120". I'd say you could order any length you wanted. Didn't list any prices though.
  http://www.gordoncomposites.com/products.htm
Title: Re: Less expensive glass for kid bows (48" to 50" length)
Post by: GREG IN MALAD on April 16, 2011, 12:17:00 PM
You can glue up a 2" wide blank then rip it in half with a carbide blade. If you buy glass by the hundred that will be $9 per bow.
Title: Re: Less expensive glass for kid bows (48" to 50" length)
Post by: CaptainJ on April 16, 2011, 05:22:00 PM
I live an hour up the road from Gordon Composites. Never built a glass bow but I've thought about it and have wondered if they have seconds or clearance items at the plant here in CO. Kind of one of those "someday" plans.  Guess I should just run down there and find out. Even if I don't build any myself, I could maybe help out some of you glass builders.
Hmmm, someday...
Heh

CJ
Title: Re: Less expensive glass for kid bows (48" to 50" length)
Post by: JamesV on April 16, 2011, 07:51:00 PM
Lee...

For kids bows I buy 2" glass and split it. You can use the short left-over glass on the belly of the next bow, thus NO waste.

CaptainJ.........

I would be suprised if you could buy glass direct from the manufacturer. As far as SECONDS, I buy it for regular price.

James.............
Title: Re: Less expensive glass for kid bows (48" to 50" length)
Post by: James Moore on April 17, 2011, 08:20:00 PM
I have contacted Gordon before and they said I needed to buy 1000 pieces for them to sell me glass.
I have used the Kutom King clear with good results with lighter color lams, the roll is on sale now for around $400 dollars a 328 foot roll.
Title: Re: Less expensive glass for kid bows (48" to 50" length)
Post by: CaptainJ on April 17, 2011, 10:13:00 PM
Yeah that makes sense and partly why I haven't been down there yet. It really wouldn't be right for them to let me bypass their retailers.

CJ