trapping bow limbs

[kenneth butler]

How much would trapping 50 pound laminated glass bow limbs reduce the weight? Do you narrow the limb width on the back or belly? Thanks Ken

[macbow]

Ken you can do a,search also.
In the past there have been discussions on this.
On longbows I always trapped the front.
But I think most said to do the backs.
I had no trouble removing 5 to 8 pounds.

[Crittergetter]

Depends on how much you trap. I've dropped up to about 8 lbs before but that was pushing it. I trap mine to the back.

[kennym]

I trap back too, and 4-5# is pretty easily done. You can also make the tips or fades stiffer by fading the trap to where you want stiffer. As in leave no trap for say last 6" before nocks to stiffen tip....

Disclaimer- I trap the back cause critter does....  

[kenneth butler]

Thanks guys. Good idea to fade the trap. Just to be sure does trapping the back mean narrow at the back of the bow and wider on the belly?    Ken

[kennym]

Yes in my case, the side you do the work on.

[Crooked Stic]

Most of us are wider at the belly.  

[kenneth butler]

Thanks guys. In my case you are soooo right Crooked Stic.  Ken

[Mad Max]

How do you trap?
45* ?
How do you keep it even?

[kennym]

I mark the tape 1/8" from finish  tillered limb edge, then have a 45* block I clamp to a disc sander and carefully get close to line using the very edge of disc, fading to tips or riser as needed to help make the limb do what I want. Then finish with a file in long smooth careful strokes. Watch the line and fade it out as you wish.....

[monterey]

Go with the Kenny method.  Seems like it would be better at getting consistency.

I've done only a couple and that's with the cookbook in one hand and sanding block in the other.

[stickmonkey]

Here is how I determine how I will trap. If i need to add stability in say a hybrid then I trap from the belly to the back.

If I have plenty of stability then I trap from the back to the belly.

As Kenny said leave the last 6" alone but if you need to add more preload to the limb then dont trap past midlimb and do not just bring your limb tips into 1/2" widths or you will defeat the purpose.

Trapping is a tool and if you trap the entire limb you will see little gain for the trouble but if you use it to stiffen the tips and to more the stack point further out by trapping a few inches outside the fades to just below midlimb you will see better net results.

I have dropped significant amounts before , 15 plus lbs, using a worn out 320 grit 2 by 72 grinding belt in a shoe shining fashion on the belly. how far your hands are spread apart affects the angle. Make very smooth transitions.

I think I still have pics of that bow from years ago and last i heard its still shooting fine.