3pc takedown- limb attachment and alignment

[arachnid]

Hi guys.

I'm working on a 3pc takedown longbow and like some expert advice about limb attachment and alignment.

I don't have a drill press so I want to keep is as simple as possible.

First- limb attachment.
I have 2 options in mind- use a threaded insert and a bolt. The insert I have is not made for bow limbs and I don't know if it'll take the load. Second option is to drill all the way through the riser, push a bolt from the back side all the way through and secure the limb with a wing nut and washer.
Is there another method I missed? Witch will ne easier without a drill press?

Second- limb alignment.
What's the best and easiest way to do it? I guess there are all kinds of ways and jigs.. I'd like to know.

Thanks

[arachnid]

Here are some pics of the insertsn I mentioned.

     

   

   

[Wagstaff]

Do not use that insert. It will fail.

[arachnid]

Originally posted by Wagstaff:
Do not use that insert. It will fail.

Why is that?
And, What should I use?

[BenBow]

It's too soft of metal and too short so it doesn't have enough surface to secure it in the wood. You're better off drilling through the riser and putting the bolt from the riser through the limb and using a washer and nut. I'd even suggest using the insert you have in the riser then drill it out and use it so,the bolt head rests on it.

[arachnid]

Ok got it.
What about driling 90 degrees without a drill press and limb alignment?

[LittleBen]

Clamp the limb to the riser securely in the alignment you want and dill it with a handheld drill. Don't narrow the limb until you have it mounted so you can correct any slight alignment problems.

Check this out, I go through a lot of these issues.

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=010908;p=1

[arachnid]

Originally posted by BenBow:
It's too soft of metal and too short so it doesn't have enough surface to secure it in the wood. You're better off drilling through the riser and putting the bolt from the riser through the limb and using a washer and nut. I'd even suggest using the insert you have in the riser then drill it out and use it so,the bolt head rests on it.

What diameter bolt should I use? Is 8mm bolt enough?

And Ben, I went through your build along a lot of times. You made a drilling jig, do you have plans for it? Is it nessesery?

[LittleBen]

I don't have plans for it, and no it's not necessary but it makes things easier.

Regarding the bolt, it depends on not just the size, but also the strength of the bolt, and also the strength of the insert. I would consider ordering bow specific hardware. It would be a shame for it to fail after putting in all that work.

If I remember correctly, the bolts are around 5/16" which is pretty close to 8mm.

[Mad Max]

Nice job on that Ben with what you had to work with.

Good info all above.

[passion for knowledge]

Find myself in the same position.

I bought a drilling jig from Lee Valley tools for this.

I'm thinking I'll lay everything on its side and clamp to the bench, drill pin holes and bolt holes right through limbs and riser to make sure everything is aligned, before shaping the limbs, then overlay the riser and the limbs with something decorative to hide the fasteners & pins.

I have the belly lams - ipe.

Walnut wedges.

Contemplating Hickory or Maple for the back.

I'll have eyes, legs and fingers crossed on this one!