Does this design need glass across the back?

[Zradix]

Hello experts!

I really like the looks of this bow built by Mr. Dick Wightman.

 
 

I'm thinking of making a similar style bow.
My question is..
Does this type of design, with the grip being cut through the lams, NEED to have glass all the way across the back of the riser/grip area?

I just don't know how well epoxy really "sticks"

I'm trying to do things simply as this will be my first bow and I have VERY limited tools.

So if it would be strong enough I'd rather be able to just glue the grip area on to the the nice flat lams. And not have to worry about clamping or form making to get the glass around the grip area. Nice and easy...but I don't want a bomb either.

If a glass back isn't needed, anyone have an idea how much glued surface is needed? I'm sure I cant put a 4" block on the back and cut a grip through the lams and have the bow hold up with only 2" of glue holding the 3 pcs together...lol


Thank you very much for the help everyone!

   

[Robertfishes]

I'm Not an expert but I would run glass on the back myself. Mr Wightman made alot of light draw bows, I think you may find a build a long with some of his bows being built??

[jess stuart]

Glass across the back of the riser is good insurance against breakage.  I would definetly add it, sure can't hurt anything.

[Zradix]

Thanks for the replies gentlemen.

Do you feel that running just the glass is enough?
Or would I have to run part of the stack as well?

[monterey]

I would run the glass all the way across the back, but would not hesitate to work part of it away while shaping the grip.  OTOH, the grip shape shown lends itself to preshaping and leaving the glass in place.

I don't think there would be any strength issue if the glass did not cover the whole back as long as it progressed at least a few inches beyond the fadeout.

Lam or not under the back glass would be more an aesthetic thing, IMO.

[Zradix]

I was sorta thinking along the same lines Monterey along the lines of working the back of the grip past/through the glass after the layup.

Thank you for the input on the lam or not.

I appreciate the insight fellas.
   

[Zradix]

On a side note.
I'm thinking of a bow in the 45#@28" range.
...not a 100# log spitter..lol

[Crooked Stic]

I think Dick built a lot of his bows where the glass was right on the riser. Yeah a glass overlay on the front cant hurt. Also an accent in the riser about 1/2 in. in front of the deepest part of the grip or even an ibeam in the riser.