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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: critman on July 28, 2013, 09:24:00 PM

Title: Follow the bend?
Post by: critman on July 28, 2013, 09:24:00 PM
I have only made bows out of red oak boards following the natural bend as to what is the belly and back. Every bow I make has some amount of set, some worse than others (up to 2"). What if I put the bend to the belly side of the bow so the bend faces away from me? Kinda like a natural reflex. Is this another train ride to disasterville? I tend to spend too much time there already so need yall's advice.  :confused:
Title: Re: Follow the bend?
Post by: takefive on July 29, 2013, 01:38:00 AM
As long as the grain is good, I don't think it matters.  The board bow build alongs I've seen say to use the best side of the board for the back regardless of how it's been sawn.  If you have a bandsaw or table saw you could rip your board and glue some reflex into it, too.
Title: Re: Follow the bend?
Post by: George Tsoukalas on July 29, 2013, 09:19:00 AM
No, it doesn't matter and 2" or under is quite acceptable for set. Jawge
Title: Re: Follow the bend?
Post by: John Scifres on July 29, 2013, 11:04:00 AM
Yes, of course you should if possible.
Title: Re: Follow the bend?
Post by: critman on July 30, 2013, 09:20:00 PM
New to this reflex business. Takefive, can I use titebond II or III to glue back up or is it pretty much smooth on only? Working on a form right now.
Title: Re: Follow the bend?
Post by: takefive on July 31, 2013, 02:13:00 AM
I use Unibond.  It's good at filling small gaps and you don't have to heat it.  It just has to cure overnight at 70 degrees minimum.  Have you checked out Roy's tri-lam build along?  He glued that bow up with Unibond.
Title: Re: Follow the bend?
Post by: John Scifres on July 31, 2013, 10:03:00 AM
Didn't mean to sound so condescending.  I should have said, by all means.
Title: Re: Follow the bend?
Post by: critman on July 31, 2013, 06:38:00 PM
takefive, unfamiliar with Unibond. Did a search and what I am seeing is tubes like epoxy. Is this what your'e talking about? Did see a can of Unibond but it was instant set like what you use for formica counter tops. Does any larger retailers carry this?
John, no offense taken  ;)
Title: Re: Follow the bend?
Post by: takefive on August 01, 2013, 01:03:00 PM
I bought mine from 3 Rivers Archery.  They should have it in stock.