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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: joebuck on July 20, 2024, 08:46:36 PM

Title: Anybody build a 1.5” finished limb on 2”form
Post by: joebuck on July 20, 2024, 08:46:36 PM
Dusting off my limb press and it’s a 2” frame. I am into skinner limbs and wondering if anyone build 1/4-1/2” limbs from 2” press width?  I also use air pressure and heat strips.  Thanks. JoeBuck
Title: Re: Anybody build a 1.5” finished limb on 2”form
Post by: Crooked Stic on July 21, 2024, 06:57:08 AM
My finished LB limb is 1.375 off a 1.5 press and recurve 1.650 off of 1.75 press.
If you want 1.5 finished start with 1.75.
Title: Re: Anybody build a 1.5” finished limb on 2”form
Post by: ptberger on July 21, 2024, 01:42:55 PM
I tried exactly what you are wanting to do - it did not work for me as no matter how careful I was in stacking things up, once pressure was applied the laminations slid around and I ended up with 1-1/2" lams randomly spread out to 2". The second time I did it I drilled some 1/4" holes in the form to hold the lams tight when the pressure was applied. That worked OK but was a lot of work.

If I was going to do it again I would just make 2" wide limbs and cut them down.
Title: Re: Anybody build a 1.5” finished limb on 2”form
Post by: Kirkll on July 22, 2024, 10:58:07 AM
I use 1.75” LVL forms for 1.5” wide material on my one piece long bow just fine…

I took a router to the side of the form in spots every 8-10” along the limbs and riser location on each side of the form to center up the 1.5” stock, and use heavy duty zip ties to hold them in place… the zip ties are the key.

Here is an older lay up video. But you’ll get the idea.

https://youtu.be/uAMsgze0u7Y?si=dPgHWiZ4m6fOA0vv