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Follow the bend?

Started by critman, July 28, 2013, 09:24:00 PM

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critman

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:

takefive

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.
It's hard to make a wooden bow which isn't beautiful, even if it's ugly.
-Tim Baker

George Tsoukalas

No, it doesn't matter and 2" or under is quite acceptable for set. Jawge

John Scifres

Yes, of course you should if possible.
Take a kid hunting!

TGMM Family of the Bow

critman

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.

takefive

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.
It's hard to make a wooden bow which isn't beautiful, even if it's ugly.
-Tim Baker

John Scifres

Didn't mean to sound so condescending.  I should have said, by all means.
Take a kid hunting!

TGMM Family of the Bow

critman

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  ;)

takefive

I bought mine from 3 Rivers Archery.  They should have it in stock.
It's hard to make a wooden bow which isn't beautiful, even if it's ugly.
-Tim Baker

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