Cheap way of clamping bamboo and wood bows

[macbow]

Mostly practising with pictures . I found this on a web site some time ago and I like using the rubber bands better than using tons of clamps.
Ron

 
 

[hova]

i like that...a lot. can we see some glue lines please?

-hov

[NTD]

I used that method for my first couple BBI's, I now prefer inner tubes.  I get much much better glue lines now.

[eflanders]

I will second the inner tubes.  I just built a form for it and I like it the best of all so far.

[b.glass]

I would think the inner tubes would be easier to work with. I assume you just wrap the glue up with them.

[macbow]

This is one of the glue lines. I use spring and C clamps in critical areas such as the end of power lams.
I think the rubber inner tube strips are great if your using a regular form. With this type form I like the rubber bands and blocks.
The rubber bands are #84  3 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch.

 

[ChristopherO]

Beware of which type of glue you are using the rubber directly against.  TT3 and the rubber will seperate with no issues.  This last FG recurve I am just finishing up I forgot to add the saran wrap over the riser when SmoothOn gluing the overlays.   Talk about a black innertube mess!  Some glues let go, others do not.

[NTD]

I use the inner tubes for the EXACT same type of form as you, so it's not about the form.  I think you're thinking of the forms with pegs etc.  

Sure you can get good glue lines with that method but it's not as easy to get a good glue line as it is with inner tubes.  I was just stating my personal preferences having tried many methods.  The blocks and rubber bands take too long, and don't give as good results for ME.

I know Justin Snyder over on PA uses that method, that's where I stole the idea from myself and he sure makes some nice bows with that method.

[eflanders]

Stretch wrap works too and you can get a roll for under $10.  I just prefer the inner tube band system because you can control and direct the tension better than with the stretch wrap. I.M.O. certain clamping methods work better than others based on the glue used, the form shape and if heat is needed to cure the glue.

[eflanders]

I forgot to mention that comparing costs of the various clamping methods depends on what materials you can salvage elsewhere.  For example: Can you find an old inner tube somewhere?  If you buy one it will cost $10-15.  Do you have a bunch of heavy standard office supply type rubber bands?  Do you have a bunch of wood to use for the blocks?  3/8" wood dowels cost about .25 each for three feet, so you need roughly ten or so of them.  The air tube/fire hose system I don't think is easily found without ordering it.  Figure the hose, plugs, clamps etc. will run at least $20 but then it takes twice as much wood to produce the form as it does for an inner tube form.  A flat bench top or counter can be used for a straight limbed bow form using spring or c-clamps.  If you want to put some reflex and/or deflex then you need a bow form board.  That can be as simple as a salvage 2" x 6" x 6' pine board or you can buy a LVL for $30-40.  I assume you are just starting out so I would just use what is the least expensive option for your first bow.  That would be a selfbow made from a stave of wood or a board bow made from red oak.

[hova]

for a cheap in the long run setup , i was looking at making wood thread , then just basically making a two piece form , and using the wood thread to secure them together.


-hov

[macbow]

NTD, What are the lengths of the inner tube strips you use?
Ron

[NTD]

I use 4 strips that are 6 1/2 feet long each.

[macbow]

I'll have to check with my tire guy. I had not tried the strips with this type form. I'm retired and into cheap ways.
Thanks, Ron

[NTD]

I'm a young man with a wife and baby and a poor paying job, I like cheap too  

Give it a try, you might not like it but you might also find it's your new favorite method.  I found it cheaper than replacing my rubber bands, I always seemed to break a bunch especially once they got urac on them.

[macbow]

Found I still had some rubber strips from years ago. Just glued one up and used the rubber strips It is much faster.
Ron

[NTD]

Have you pulled it off the form yet?  How's it look?

[macbow]

I pulled it off the form yesterday. The glue lines looked good. It was easier to put the strips on and when taking everything off it was so much easier.
You've made a convert.
Thanks, Ron

[NTD]

   :D    

Glad it worked well for you.