FIBERGLASS

[Buck Buckley]

I,M NEW AT THIS FIBERGLASS I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU SAND THE TIPS OF THE GLASS LIMBS TO PUT ON THE PHENOLICALSO CAN YOU LITELY SAND THE LIMBS TO TAKE THE SHIN OFF

[Cambow]

Yes... but I actually sand the glass "heavily" for good adhesion. I use 80-100 grit to create enough tooth for the glue. I've never had an overlay lift in nearly 200 bows...

[kennym]

Yep, for sure get the shine off!

I tape across where I intend to stop gluing, then use 60 grit.

[Bowjunkie]

I leave masking tape on the limbs as long as possible to prevent dings and scratches during shaping of the bow. This also keeps the centerline I've drawn on the tape visible throughout the shaping and tillering process.

So, when I go to apply the overlays, I peel off the masking tape only as far as I need to, to expose the gluing surface, then sand/scratch the surface with coarse sandpaper. I use 60 grit and go diagonal one way, then the opposite way. I then wipe with acetone or alcohol to remove any dust or residue immediately prior to glue up.

Once the entire bow is shaped, tillered, and ready for sanding with 240 grit paper, I remove the remaining masking tape and sand the shine off all of the glass with 240 grit, then apply the finish.