Tips for Tips... Selfbow

[Msturm]

I got a pretty sweet guava self bow in the works. I glued up some Bubinga tip overlays.  I have them shaped out, but I am paranoid about smoothing out the transitions from overlay to bow back. I don't want to compromise the back of the bow by nicking it with a file or sandpaper.... Any suggestions? Worried for no reason?

MSturm

Thanks.

[mikkekeswick]

I like safe edge files. Sandpaper used slowly and carefully and you'll be fine. Don't worry about the bow breaking at the tips - a bow is most strained at the middle and less so as you move to the tips.

[PEARL DRUMS]

Wrap a few rounds of duct tape around the limb where that transition is. It will protect the back until final touches are needs.

[Roy from Pa]

Worried for no reason... Like Pearl said, wrap some tape around the area till you have it very close. Then use 320 sand paper and your thumb or finger and just smooth things out. Maybe even wet sand it, wet sanding does a super job.

[Pat B]

next time, pre-shape the overlays before you glue it up.

[Roy from Pa]

Like Pat said, pre shape the overlays. The end that is going towards the limbs, taper it down till it is paper thin. And after you glue it on, wipe off the excess glue right at the end of it where it blends onto the limb. Will save you sanding off a glob of glue later. Prolly too late for that advice now but remember it for the next time.

[Msturm]

Thanks guys!  Gotta love this forum!  I will be sanding carefully for the next several days.  I will post some pics when I'm finished.

Sturm

[scrub-buster]

If you take the overlay down in the front like Pat said it will need very little sanding when its glued on.

 

[Roy from Pa]

Yup.