Trad Gang

Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: EHK on November 21, 2013, 12:48:00 PM

Title: Clamping riser overlays
Post by: EHK on November 21, 2013, 12:48:00 PM
When adding overlays to the back of a curved riser, or to build a grip up a bit what do you all use to hold them in place for glue up?  Clamps may work, but I could also see them being problematic on a curved surface.
Title: Re: Clamping riser overlays
Post by: choochoou on November 21, 2013, 01:06:00 PM
I use a strip of pink foam insulation with clamps to hold it all in place .that was reccomended to me by Kenny m. Joe
Title: Re: Clamping riser overlays
Post by: kennym on November 21, 2013, 01:16:00 PM
How did that work out Joe? (aka guinea pig tester)  :)
Title: Re: Clamping riser overlays
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 21, 2013, 02:13:00 PM
Figures Kenny would suggest pink insulation:)
Title: Re: Clamping riser overlays
Post by: chackworth3 on November 21, 2013, 03:29:00 PM
I don't do it this way butting seems to work.  I've seen horn chaser put his back in the form and clamp it down to let it cure since it has the same curved surface. I just use non-spring clamps and the scrap wood from cutting the riser out and clamp it down in the middle and work my way to the ends.
Title: Re: Clamping riser overlays
Post by: Jason Kendall on November 21, 2013, 05:29:00 PM
I built a mini bow press with a 30" air hose just for the handle overlays, it works great!
Title: Re: Clamping riser overlays
Post by: Sam Harper on November 21, 2013, 06:30:00 PM
I put the riser face down on a board and clamp like this:

(http://poorfolkbows.com/images/glass46.JPG)
Title: Re: Clamping riser overlays
Post by: Horn Chaser on November 21, 2013, 06:46:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by chackworth3:
I don't do it this way butting seems to work.  I've seen horn chaser put his back in the form and clamp it down to let it cure since it has the same curved surface. I just use non-spring clamps and the scrap wood from cutting the riser out and clamp it down in the middle and work my way to the ends.
Chris you have it right with the curve on Kennym designed longbows that I make this method has worked best for me. It allows me to get even pressure on the overlay I glue on and don't have to fight with clamps on curves. Simple and easy.
Title: Re: Clamping riser overlays
Post by: jess stuart on November 21, 2013, 06:50:00 PM
I do like Jason and have a small form with an air hose for my takedown risers works like a champ.
Title: Re: Clamping riser overlays
Post by: EHK on November 21, 2013, 09:24:00 PM
All great ideas.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Clamping riser overlays
Post by: Walt Francis on November 21, 2013, 11:01:00 PM
Same as Jason, I use a smaller air-hose & form specifically made for gluing them on.  Taping them in place helps a lot, regardless of the method used.
Title: Re: Clamping riser overlays
Post by: JamesV on November 22, 2013, 10:11:00 AM
I tape mine inplace with masking tape then wrap tightly with heavy twine. Works every time
Title: Re: Clamping riser overlays
Post by: choochoou on November 22, 2013, 12:32:00 PM
Hey kenny it worked out great I wrapped the insulation with clear wrap thanks for the idea.Joe
Title: Re: Clamping riser overlays
Post by: EHK on November 23, 2013, 12:55:00 PM
Okay, I've got some ides for the overlays on the back of the riser.  How about the belly side for building up the grip?  I just tried a couple of different clamps on mine (dry run) and everything seems to slip around pretty good.
Title: Re: Clamping riser overlays
Post by: rmorris on November 23, 2013, 02:13:00 PM
I made an attempt to show you how to do it with an air hose but I can't figure out how the********* new photobucket app works on my phone . Guess it will just have to wait till I am around a PC later today
Title: Re: Clamping riser overlays
Post by: rmorris on November 23, 2013, 06:26:00 PM
stupid photobucket, here is how I do it
 (http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee465/buckskinbows/994B947A-E9EB-4281-B6E3-FE39079CF1FA-1546-000003A5CB3523F7_zpsf2b00de2.jpg)

(http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee465/buckskinbows/47FC0252-B3B7-40FF-89B8-B398D1B8FFD1-4806-00000C389B5504C0_zps262d02de.jpg)
Title: Re: Clamping riser overlays
Post by: Sixby on November 23, 2013, 06:37:00 PM
I drill two small holes in line through the centered overlays into the riser in the sight window area. I glue everything up including the ovelays with tape over the glass except for the prepped overlay area. I then wrap the overlays into place with 2 mil plastic and put on my heat tape and air hose and cook the overlays on with the rest of the bow in one cook. They come out perfect every time and you cannot feel a single overlay ./ They will be perfectly flush and in place. It really makes a difficult chore easy.

God bless and hope this helps. Steve
Title: Re: Clamping riser overlays
Post by: bigbob2 on November 24, 2013, 05:08:00 AM
I use the off cuts from the riser to help clamp overlays with
Title: Re: Clamping riser overlays
Post by: BenBow on November 24, 2013, 10:24:00 AM
Looks good Ralph. Have one that will need overlays soon & will do something similar
Title: Re: Clamping riser overlays
Post by: bornofmud on November 26, 2013, 02:18:00 PM
I use a pressure strip and clamping cawls that have an angle.  Little tricky, things have a tendency to slip around a bit with epoxy, but works well enough for me!