I've looked in the how to forum and didn't see one. Any tips as to how its done? Thanks,
I think it's done by soaking the the hemp in glue, then wrapping the handle.
I usually wrap mine dry, then brush on the Massey finish until saturated. It's probably not the correct way, just how I've done the few that I've done. I think they turned out ok though.
I do it just like Dan does. I did my first one a few years back trying to hold together a tri-lam that was made with spliced lams. After adding the hemp handle wrap saturated with Massey finish I never had trouble with this bow again. I named the bow "Troublesome...handle with care"
I now use a hemp wraped handle on most of my bows now. It makes a good all weather grip.
I personally like rattan handles, but I've done a few jute. I usually soak in water, wrap em, then brush on a coat of water based poly first, followed by whatever I'm finishing my bow with, which is usually minwax poly. I'd do hemp the same.
I agree with Pat, I use it on most every bow too. The only other material I like is Beaver tail, but that gets pricey. I wrap mine on dry,then use a bic lighter to de-fuzz, then carefully and sparingly soak with "super glue". Ready to use in 20 minutes or so.
I do de-fuzz with a lighter too.
Do it the same way wrap then Massey, several coats.
The only reason I don't do all bows with it is covering,up pretty wood. The feel is great especially on a bulbous handle.
Thanks for all the replies, but that leads to one more question? What is a Massey finish? :)
Massey finish is epoxy mixed then thinned with a compatible solvent, so it's like a watered down epoxy.
I used it for the first time a couple of weeks ago - followed Pat's advice - mixed the epoxy, added a bit of acetone and stirred it up good. The epoxy kind of dissolves. Then applied it to the wrap with just a paper towel. I let it dry over night and then applied a second coat...and then a 3rd. Worked great.
What a perfect thread for me just now! I am looking to secure some handles on some bi and tri lams - bamboo backed and bellied etc - I have had two failures but this sounds like the thing! Thanks all!
I stain and spray on 1 coat of finish. I mark where I want to put the hemp wrap, brush on some waterproof wood glue, and wrap the hemp from top down. When I'm done I do a 1/2 hitch and put a spot of glue over it. I then spray a couple more coats. I usually use spar urethane. Jawge