got my first limb in the oven.

[macster]

Just popped my first ever limb in the oven. The glue up went pretty smooth I think, hard to control the slippage with glue everywhere, but I think I got it fairly good. Pumped the hose up to 30 psi then put it in the vise to check for slips, then pumped it up to about 75 psi. What are some methods to help control slippage, and is 75 psi good for the pressure? I have binghams pronounced longbow kit. Thanks Mac.

[Robertfishes]

use the search function, type in "form washers" you will find some good info and pics.

[macster]

The oven fluctuates from 150-180 degrees, is that enough for 4 hours?

[Scott F]

Believe me, however long you put it in the oven, your first limb takes 'forever'!!!

Good luck with your bow.  I hope that it turns out as nice as you imagine it to be.

[scottm]

Please Post some pics when its done.Thanks scott

[macster]

The directions on the cans of smooth on were vague, I just mixed it 50-50, is that right?

[Trux Turning]

50-50 is fine- you can add some washers to your form to keep the lams from sliding around. your 150-180 temp will be good- I turn my oven off after 5-6 hours and let it cool down over night.
 

[macster]

I got some slippage, maybe 1/8 of a inch side to side and end to end, I think if I square it up on the sander it should be fine. What do you guys think?

[kennym]

The end won't be bad,the 1/8" sideways will make a bit of less #s . Not much if you have 1.75" wide limbs.

Are you havin fun yet?  

[macster]

I have 1.50" limbs for a takedown longbow. I ordered lams to make a 50lb. bow, but wont hurt my feelings if it only turns out to be 40 after some trimming. Will make a good 3-d bow. I am having fun, but also a little nervous about the outcome.

[macster]

Going out to my shop to do limb number 2.

[bjansen]

Sounds like you having fun..You can always cut it down a bit to get your 50# bow...good luck and take your time.

[kennym]

You should make that,no prob!

[macster]

Second limb in the oven, learned a lot already. Put some tape on the ends before putting in form, and that seemed to help a lot with the slipping. There is a lot of glue pushed out on the sides of the first limb, but I was told not to skimp on the glue so there would be no dry spots, hope that is right.

[huntersteve]

I gave up on trying to control the oven temp with a thermostat...took it out and installed a dimmer switch on the lighting wiring....works like a charm...Steve

[Chisler]

I had the luxury of having a mentor help me on my first laminated limb.  Doing the first one solo would have been high stress for me.  Wrapping the tape, keeping lams all lined up, how did that glue get al over my hands...  jeepers!
I' doing my own now and have had good results.  I actually drill a 1/4" hole through the butt ends of the lams, wedge and glass before glue up, then cut a 1/4" dowel to length and use that to keep the butt ends from slipping around - I like it.
Good luck macster!

[macster]

what is the best method to take all the glue off of the limbs after it comes out of the oven?

[Mike Most]

Wear a good dust mask, (very good if ya can) and for me the occilating spindle sander 80 grit, cleans the glue right off.

I feel your joy and your apprehension in that first one. Been there.

Good Luck

Mike

[Robertfishes]

be careful with that dried hardened glue on the edges, I have cut myself a couple of times on it, it can be really sharp. I have been using a 6 x 48 belt sander with a 50 grit belt for grinding the glue off. I wear a respirator and safety glasses when cutting and sanding, I also have a dust collector. I bought a 150-180 degree thermostat from Binghams,I also installed a "cooking" thermometer in the front of my oven. I found that four 100 watt bulbs gave me 165 degrees. I also bought a 15 amp timer, if I fall asleep the oven will shut itself off..

[Bow-n-Head]

Todd;  I drilled 1/4" holes just under the bow into the bottom half of the form & used small "zipp" ties to hold eveything in place until you get some pressure on it. Then, cut the zipp ties & pull them out so that they won't leave marks during 'cooking". It works well for me.  Ray