2021 what did you do today?

[Longcruise]

Brad and Steve,  thanks for the good tips.  I'm planning to improve the process enough to allow inclusion of some custom product in this year's swap bow. 

You guys have helped a bunch. 

[mmattockx]

I pulled the lam bow deflex glue up off the form this afternoon. Mixed results at best, with a complete failure on the gluing front...

The bow after coming off the form:





On the plus side, it only lost about 1" of the 6" of deflex that the form had. I had expected quite a bit more than that, so it is a pleasant surprise.


A better view of the riser and fades with an 18" ruler for scale, showing they aren't nearly as steep as they looked on the form with all the clamps in the way:






Now for the train wreck:






The gaps are due to the lams cupping massively. I didn't get any pics of the cupping but it was severe in places, over 1/8" across the 2" wide lams. The glue up was dry in a few spots as well, which is my fault, but the cupping was so bad it didn't matter. I used TBIII because it is more than strong enough, is much cheaper than epoxy and non-toxic, but I didn't expect the lams to cup like they did from the moisture. It looks like I will be moving to epoxy for the next run unless I can figure out a pressure strip arrangement that will keep the lams flat while the glue dries.


Mark

[Mad Max]

When we glue up glass bow with a fire hose we use 40 to 60 PSI to the hose.
those little spring clamps don't do much. If the clamps will close up the gaps on a dry run, you would be good.
If you have cupped lams, that's a problem.
This is gluing a .030 belly lam 4-1/2" long on the bow tip after the bow was glued up

[mmattockx]

those little spring clamps don't do much. If the clamps will close up the gaps on a dry run, you would be good.
If you have cupped lams, that's a problem.

The spring clamps did close the gaps no problem on the dry fit, but were no match for warping wood when the glue was on. I wouldn't have used the spring clamps except I used all the others I had first. I am going to to order another dozen or so of the smaller F clamps for the next run. Fool me once, and all that.

What do you guys use for a pressure strip on the glass bows?


Mark

[Mad Max]

.030 sheet metal, some do and some don't for the fire hose.

for the rubber band method I don't know?

[Longcruise]

For the rubber band method you want your pressure strips to be somewhat domed to prevent complications due to too much pressure along the edges.  Rubber bands will have a tough time holding the lams AND pressure strips down on those skateboard ramps.

I think you would be ok with the firehose and topless form approach.

[Eric Krewson]

I made a Flemish bowstring jig for an old friend who manages the sporting goods dept at the locals Dick's. I have known him since he was a teenager about 35 years ago. He makes all kinds of strings in the archery shop at Dicks but never learned how to make a Flemish string for Trad bows, he sends all the people who want one to my house.

I have made hundreds of strings over the years and don't really like to make them, I find boring work. If I give Steve a jig he can make strings for these people.

I copied my old string jig that I made 35 years ago and have made countless strings on it. I put feet on my jigs so I can sit in a chair, make strings and hold the jig firmly between, my knees.

[Roy from Pa]

 

[Shredd]

 

[Longcruise]

I like your feet adaptation.  I have been clamping to a table but your method is more portable.

[Flem]

I cant see what you are using to hold with your feet? I like the idea. I have been clamping to a table also, not ideal.

[EvilDogBeast]

He means those pieces of 2x6 screwed to the bottom of the jig.  While sitting in a chair, he can put pressure on the outsides of those pieces with his knees to hold the jig steady.

[Flem]

Hello! I see, no feet involved. I was looking for something attached to the jig legs

[Roy from Pa]

Just glued up another bbo.

Still in shop putsen round.

[kennym]

Glued a bow blank to the form somehow . Hammer and chisel time ...

[Roy from Pa]

ROFLMFAO...

Rookie....

[kennym]

ROFLMFAO...

Rookie....

I got nuthin...

[kennym]

I got it loose without damage to bow.  Does that make me a pro?   

[Mad Max]

Yep

mine stick a little at the fender washers, rubber hammer works

[Roy from Pa]

I guess yer Ok.