You'd think I never built a bow before....

[jsweka]

I was surprised to see this thread again. Bad memories of what was not my finest moment.

I’m getting ready to place an order with Kenny for supplies for a couple builds this winter. I hope this isn’t an omen!

[Kirkll]

Resurrecting old threads are kind of fun sometimes…. We had a “What was your biggest boo boo thread going once upon a time that was hilarious!  You would be amazed at some of the bone head stunts happen, even to experienced bowyers.

I think these air hose forms are great systems, but I’ve screwed up my share of limbs learning the can do, and cannot do tricks….  I think the one I learned that was most valuable was using zip ties instead of washers or side blocks, and…. Just easing the pressure up in two stages. Put about 20# in…. Double  Check alignment, the ease it up to 50 pounds and check it again…..  the one thing you never want to do is lower the pressure….. It can suck air back under the glass if ya do…. I’ve ruined perfectly good veneered limbs doing that…

By going easy airing up the hose, if you have to deflate it to adjust something, you want to ADD  more pressure that you had the first time so it squeezes any air out.
So if ya had 50#. Then go to 55-60 # the next time…. This little simple rule will save yer a$$…..   btw…. You need not ever exceed 50# on your air hose. That is plenty of pressure.    Kirk 

[Buggs]

Do you remove the zip ties before it's aired up fully?

[Mark R]

Good tip kirkll, its amazing how a little mistake can destroy painstaking prep, hours of work, and fine craftsmanship and turn it into a pile of crap.

[Kirkll]

Do you remove the zip ties before it's aired up fully?

I leave my zip ties in place and use about 50# pressure using stainless steel heat strips/pressure strips.... never had an issue.