Need advice on riser glue up

[Jrunner]

After checking this site daily and becoming obsessed with trad bows, I decided to make one following Roy's build.  The initial glue-up went great.  I  am concerned about the riser though and thought I would ask the pros.  I used plenty of glue(Unibond 800) and  plenty clamps but developed a bad glue line.  The question is should I cut it off and redo or can I fill it with glue.  I did stick a piece of paper in it and it doesn't seem very deep,1/8th inch maybe.  Also I would like to cut out an arrow shelf and was wondering if a 12 " riser will allow me to do that.  Any pics of a Roy type build with an arrow shelf would be helpful.

Thanks for the help in advance.

[Roy from Pa]

Welcome to trad gang..

Well first off, did you have the riser piece and belly of the bow mated good? I hold them up to a light and look for no light showing through. I also have the belly lam of the bow and the riser section I am gluing on, both about 1/2" wider than my finished handle will be. Then after the glue is dry, I cut out the bows profile to my handle width. But if the depth of the lack of glue is only 1/8th deep, I would just fill it with glue. How long is the section void of glue? You could cut in an arrow shelf, but you should maintain at least 5/8th width, 3/4" is better, of wood left to support the riser section. What weight bow you looking for when finished? You have any pictures? I don't cut in a shelf, I build one out of leather..

   

 

[Jrunner]

Ok I think I have a picture uploaded.  I am looking at making around a 50lb bow.  Thanks for the quick response.

[Roy from Pa]

If that's only 1/8th deep, I would fill it with glue.

[Wolftrail]

Is there any fade area on those limbs. ?

[mikkekeswick]

Wolftrail +1
You might be setting up for a riser popping off once you get it bending with no added thickness to the belly lam. Unless that maple(?) is a long powerlam.
Use some good epoxy and heat it a little to get it to flow. Then clamp up tight. Even squeezing the area in a vice will help to suck in the glue, keep tightening and loosening the vice jaws and you should see air bubbles coming out.

[Roy from Pa]

In his first post he said he is following my builds. Thus after he cuts the square riser block out like I do, he will have his fade/power lam if you will.. I also hold my flares 1 1/4" width out another 6 inches into the limb to beef up that area, then do a straight taper to the tips.

   

   

   

[Jrunner]

Thanks Roy, I wasn't sure what Wolftrail was asking.  I'm new to this stuff.

[Roy from Pa]

Here is a link to some terminology on bows.

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=006396