Clamping up laminated bows

[bowdeer]

I would like to try and make a laminated longbow and was looking for suggestions on how to clamp the bow to the form for glue up.  I've seen people use c-clamps, rubber bands, and the hose set-up from Bingham.  Any info on the pros and cons of these methods or any other methods out there would be appreciated.  I can't put a lot of money into it but want something that is effective.  Thanks.

[jess stuart]

I have never used the clamp method so I can't say how well it works.  I used to use the rubberband method when I first started.  I always had good results.  You do need to be sure you get enough pressure especially in the fadeout area.

I now use the firehose method and feel it is better than the rubber band.

[kennym]

If you are gonna just do a couple,rubber band is good. Can't argue with Marty's success rate!

If you think you will enjoy it enough to do several,the air hose is hard to beat. You get equal pressure all along the bow.

[eman614]

i've used the c clamp method and the rubberband method. the c clamps were easier to use, but i was concerned about getting good even pressure. the rubber bands work well. they are a bit of a pain to use, and if you cant get them for free then they can get expensive.

[bowdeer]

Thanks for the input guys.  I'm planning on starting with one and seeing how that goes.  If I decide to go with the rubber bands, who sells them?

[Apex Predator]

The local bicycle shop will give away the used ones.  Cut them into 2-3 strips, depending on the diameter.  Work great!

[Jason Scott]

I have used the clamp method so far. Spaced out no more than 2.75" to 3" with a good 1/8" aluminum pressure strip and nice rubber strips sandwiching the bow works very well. The trick is the rubber strips and making several passes from center out to the tips when tightening the clamps. Don't try to get them all the way tight in one pass. The rubber strip distributes the pressure and keeps the clamps from loosening when in the heat box. The clamps cost about $80 from Harbor Freight though and drilling all those holes is really a pain, burned up some drills making a few forms. My next form will I probably go with the rubber band method on the limbs and maybe 5 clamps on the riser and fades.

[Swissbow]

I have only used the rubber band method so far and after a certain learning time I have figured out how to get good results. When I  glue up the bow I just use one clamp to hold the raiser piece in place while applying the rubber bands to press the whole bow together. Just take your time with the fades and you will be rewarded with nice and clean glue lines.

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Andy

[machomanandysavage]

A buddy and I made our form to be used with spring and c clamps. It has a 1/8" aluminum strip on the top of the form, and a 1/8" alum pressure strip. I use a c clamp on the center, and then one at each fade. The rest I use 6" metal HD spring clamps. Also I used filament tape to keep things held in place while clamping it up. It was also cheap. I got a 20 pack of spring clamps on a certain auction site for $28 shipped, so it was cheap as well.


I really like the idea of the firehose for even pressure, but this way left us open for different riser designs w/out having to build another top section for the form.

As long as you have even pressure and the lams stay in place on your form it's going to work, be it the band method, the fire hose, or the clamp method.