I just got a Blackhawk Scorpion long bow. It is a 1970 model with green glass.

The tips are pretty busted up and I would like to put some overlays on there for purely aesthetic reasons.

The tips have a curve in them so getting flat overlays glued up may be an issue. I need your help.
I will post pics this evening.

Do I sand my overlays to lay in the curve?
Do I risk clamping flat and damaging the glass/pop off later?

Do I get some very thin strips of overlay material so they will flex into the curve when clamped and glued?

Do I leave it as is and keep it looking like it was made to look?  What are your thoughts? I know pics will help. They will be up as soon as I get home.

I usually use material that is thin enough that it bends into the limb's curve during glue up. These pieces are usually core-tuff of whatever color best suits the bow, and then hardwood on top. I either sand the gluing surface of the wood with rough grit sandpaper or groove it with a toothing plane blade, then use Smooth On epoxy, and set a work light next to it for warmth while the glue cures.

Replacing the overlays so that the tip remains sound is a good idea. If it is rough, chipped, or separating at all, and can continue to get worse and even lead toward a delamination or other failure.

I am with Bowjunkie.  Use multiple thin overlays and they will bend to the shape of the limb with very little pressure.

You guys are awesome! thanks for the help.

I will still post pics along the way.


Msturm

yes thin bendable pieces..I used 1/16" phenolic and thinned them a little more for this bow tip then glued a 020 veneer on top.. I have used layers of 040 fiberglass too.