I made a very simple but effective trapping jig for my sander this weekend in order to get 10 degrees of trap on my R/D bows.  I used to do this by hand with files but that took a while and had to rely on the feel and angle of the file to get it even on each side.  I also had a hard time trapping from edge to edge...this is much faster and more accurate and thought I would share.  You could certainly make one to fit a Rigid sander as well, but this attachment method worked quite well with that little table that is on the end of the Grizzly.

Very nice!

Great idea Brad! You must be getting a little more time in the shop again.  

Brad that's sweet!!! I like it.
Do you have specific line-up points on your table for mounting the jig or does it even matter?

looks good and great idea..but looks like it would do one side..do you have another to clamp to do the trap on the other side as im thinking the sanding belt goes in one direction and if you flipped the bow then wouldnt the trap be reversed?
like I said great idea but i was curious

Big un, I do not have specific points.  I set one end and then get the the drum lined up just as shown in that side view pic and then lock the other side in.  


Razor, after I finish trapping one side (pushing it through), I just step on the other side of the table and pull the other side through, thus getting the same trap on both sides.  I initially had a fence on both sides, but that was not as effective as this single fence.

Good thinking Brad.

Cool jig buddy!!

ok I saw the gap and was wondering if you would get the same depth and such..still a awesome jig..thank you

Great idea.  I just trapped a bow this morning with files and sanding blocks.  Like you said, it was slow and I got lots of glass in my fingers.  I'll have to make one myself.  Thanks for sharing.

That is sleek. I have to get me one of these jigs.

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Andy

Great idea! Thanks for the tip.
Dave.

I'm considering making one of a jig like this....how do you maintain the angle once you hit the riser area? Seems like the fades and riser would raise the bow and throw the angle out of whack. ?

Good question NY arrow .... I'm also interested. Perhaps some pics or a video are in order.

Very cool!

Nice!  That's gotta be much more accurate that free-handing and eyeballing it.

Cool jig Bud.  Glad to see your back in the shop Brad.  

Shawn

Regarding:  How do you maintain the angle once you hit the riser area? Seems like the fades and riser would raise the bow and throw the angle out of whack. ?

The fades and riser will throw it out of wack....when you get to that point I basically stop and finish it up with hand files.

Is there any reason why you couldn't put the fence on the thick side of the 2 by 4 base, and run the bow face down? That looks like it would eliminate the riser issue. I have never made a glass bow  but from looking at your jig and seeing what you want to accomplish without the riser getting in the way. It might work.
Joe

Ok, I'm a jig guy, I've got stacks of them, but I'll be the odd guy here and say I don't think this type of jig would work well for me. It would set me back. My eventual 'trap shape' varies/evolves from flares to mid limb to outer limb a noticeable amount... better accomlished by hand, eye, and feel, than by jig. Know what I mean?