Newbie Questions!

[Skyhigh315]

Hello,

My son and I are building our first home-built Trad bow.  We opted for Bingham's 'First-Time Bowyer' kit and are building their 62" hybrid longbow.  We're having a wonderful time thus far, although I've already committed several foul-ups (and have had to start over on the riser block).  We're using our screwed-up riser for practice on shaping, and I'm REALLY glad I didn't try it on the real one first.  Anyway, I'll have a few questions as we go, and would greatly appreciate your input and help as we do it.

My first question is this:  The instructions say to pre-heat the laminations for one hour in the oven, then let them cool to room temperature prior to gluing.  Why heat the laminates up if I'm going to cool them back down before glue?

Thanks in advance for your help!  

[Krasus]

Only reason I can't think of off the top of my head is to lower the moisture content of the wood.

[takefive]

I've made two Bingham hybrids and I love 'em.  I didn't pre-heat the lams and the glue ups turned out fine.

[Wagstaff]

Useless extra step, unless you dont know the moisture content of your laminations...  

Moisture is not helpful in getting a clean, bubble free glue up.

Congratulations on your new shared hobby with your kiddo..  !

Tip my hat to ya..  We need a new generation of Traditional Archers!

[peanut39350]

I started out preheating them like the instructions say to and i had a set of laminations twist on me so I don't do it anymore and hadn't had any problems

[jsweka]

I quit preheating mine and have never had a problem.  I agree with Wagstaff - Useless extra step.

[Swissbow]

Isn't it great to spend time with the kids doing something you both enjoy ? I built one with my daughter Caroline couple years back and although she isn't into archery right now I still remember this time like if it was yesterday. One of most memorable things we've ever done together.

 
__________
Andy

[monterey]

Andy, they all drift away for a bit but they come back around as they get older.  Keep up the good work  

[mikkekeswick]

It is a very good idea to get your lams dry before gluing. 8% m.c.
If your lams warp when heated they were too wet to use.
There comes a point where mc level gets too high and EA40 won't get a proper bond. If there is water in the pores then glue can't get in there instead.
It definately isn't a wasted step.....

[takefive]

If I make a bow over the winter where I live, the RH in my shop is under 30%.  I'm not worried about the lams not being dry enough.

[takefive]

Way to go Andy    
My daughter's interest in archery comes and goes.  She's always gets excited when I tell her that I'm making her a bow, though.  

[Skyhigh315]

Andy,

That's a great picture.  I guess that's what it's all about, right?  A couple of years ago, I got really sick and spent just over 4 months in critical care.  It was a really dark time in my life and it really put things in perspective as far as my kids and how much time we spend together.  Since then, I've really taken a new attitude about 'Papa Time' so new projects with my kids are a big deal.  When my son gets home from school, he's quick to get on his homework so we can either go build or go shoot.  

Here's a pic of him playing with the riser I goofed on and ended up using for shaping practice with my spindle sander.