Cutting limb profiles? (glass bow)

[Kopper1013]

Just wondering what everyone's preferred method is?

Recently I saw a post where a guy uses a table saw to cut out his bow after glue up...I was interested cause I thought maybe a table saw blade might last longer? But then thought bandsaws seem more forgiving (blades don't move as fast and tend to be less aggressive).

So have you tried different ways?
What's YOUR preferred method?
Any trouble using a table saw?

[Krasus]

Band saw then my 36" belt sander to final lines

[Trux Turning]

I've done them both ways but my preferred method is to use my bandsaw.

[kennym]

36 or 40 grit on a disc sander, then to the big belt to get good edge on limb.

15 minutes does it all.

I don't wanna subject my bandsaw/blades to glass cutting, probably baby it too much.  :D

[Roy from Pa]

Ya otta put a pink apron on dat saw, Kenny...  

[Akbowman16]

Band saw to 1/16 - 1/8" (depending on how steady my hands are that day) then belt sand to the line for me.

[David Flanrey]

I am with Kenny!!  A saw can destroy a limb quickly.  Also, you don't splinter the glass as badly with a sander.

And Roy, my saw is really old and probably needs crutches.      

[kennym]

Roy, I luv my bandsaw!  

[Crooked Stic]

Bandsaw -belt sander for me.

[takefive]

I did it the way Kenny suggests on my one and only glass bow and it worked great.  Be sure to wear a good dust mask and long sleeved shirt.  I run my shop vac close to the disc, too.  Hope you're taking notes, Roy.   :D

[Mad Max]

Originally posted by kennym:
36 or 40 grit on a disc sander, then to the big belt to get good edge on limb.

15 minutes does it all.

I don't wanna subject my bandsaw/blades to glass cutting, probably baby it too much.      :D    

X2  
a 4" hand held grinder
I go outside and grind mine

[Bowjunkie]

I use the bandsaw, with a zero clearance blade plate to eliminate bottom tear out or splinters, cut just outside the line with a blade that has been adequately used, then go to the edge sander with 40 grit to flatten the edge. Takes just a couple of minutes.

[chackworth3]

I use an old blade on the table saw. Mark the limb profile and cut outside the lines. Just take it slow, give yourself room for error the first few times until you get the hang of it and wear long sleeves and a mask. I've never had an issue with it. Then I clean it up on the belt sander

[Bowjunkie]

The reason I use the bandsaw and not the table saw is because seldom is my limb edge a straight line from dips to tips.

[Roy from Pa]

I just make wood bows, so what do I know...

[Bowjunkie]

Exactly.

[Roy from Pa]

[Robertfishes]

I tried using a band saw with a carbide blade once, I just didn't like it, it didn't feel right to me.. I prefer to use a edge sander with a 36 belt to sand near the line then sand to the line with a 120 grit belt. I have a 6x80 belt sander but I used to use the Rigid oscillating belt sander with good success. A good dust collector, respirator and safety glasses should be used too

[Kopper1013]

Thanks guys for all the replies and info I guess on my next one I'll try my ridgid belt sander with some 36 grit then if I don't love it I'll try the table saw till I figure out what's easiest for me, I've just gone through to many band saw blades hahaha and Roy maybe some day when I actually understand the glass bows I can try a tri-lam but baby steps hahaha

[kennym]

Just remember, glass dust is not good! Use a collector and a mask!