This is my first attempt to refinish a bow. The Real Bowdoc started the best thread ever IMO (Restoration 101 on 1959 Kodiaks) and I urge you to read it before attempting a refinish.
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=14;t=006473 I struggled a bit with the leather grip and thought I’d share with you my findings and result.
After many prototypes, I finally arrived to the right pattern for the 59 Grizzly Leather Grip.
Copy the file and print it to the right scale.
I used thin vegetable tanned leather. I do not know the weight, sorry, but it was pretty much the thinest I could find. I used a smaller type beveling knife to thin the extremities and worked quite well. I found it worked better on dry leather rather than wet.
I then used contact cement to glue the grip on. First applying a generous amount on the rough side of the leather and let it half dry. I then soaked for 5 minutes the glue coated leather in hot water before stretching it on the bow, conforming the leather to the curves of the grip. When the leather dries, it contracts a little making it real tight. I am happy with the result.
I decided not to dye the leather. I know it will take a rich orang color with time. I have treated this kind of leather with vegetable cooking oil in the past and find it works real fine. Here is a test strip of leather :
The lower end of the strip is untreated, the mid portion has one coat of sunflower oil I put 24 hours ago and I just applied a second coat on the upper portion of the test strip. I will wait for the grip to dry completely before I put the first coat, it’s still a little humid.
-Simon
Topic: 59 Grizzly Grip Patern (Read 615 times)
