Core lams on back

[Watsonjay]

I was looking at a Big Jim Thunderchild and it appears both his core lams are on the back side of the riser with just a veneer and glass on the belly side. I am wondering the reasoning behind this? Seems like the tension and compression would be transferred to the back of the riser. Anyone see a benefit to this? Easier glue up?

[Crooked Stic]

The thinner up the belly ramp makes glueup easier. As far as compression goes I don't think it matters. Jim prolly chime in.

[Watsonjay]

Ive made a few bows now, not an expert like Big Jim, just trying to learn and understand. Every bow I’ve made I put lam on each side. I figured there was a performance reason or an efficiency reason. Just wanted to learn some more.

[Crooked Stic]

I have built several that way can't say as I seen any difference.

[Watsonjay]

So basically easier glue up

[Crooked Stic]

For a one piece with steep belly ramps yes. Now if you were doing a take down three piece were the ramps were not steep then not so much.

[Watsonjay]

Thanks All. I guess I will try it.

[BigJim]

It is definitely an easier glue up, but in reality, I just like the way it looks. I could never tell any difference in the way the bow felt when shooting or the way it shot. I started doing it around 2016... I've only done about 2000 bows that way so I will let you know how that decision turned out after I've had a chance to test it. 
BigJim

[Watsonjay]

This is from Big Jim

We have been putting the core on the backside for about 7 years.. on all of my bows. I like the look of it better and am confident that it doesn't affect anything about the way it feels or shoots.
If there is a picture of one that has it on both, it is likely a older bow or a very heavy bow.

So it sounds like it is for looks. Im going to give it a try.

[Crooked Stic]

Well I never thought about the looks part. But I reckon if Jim is showing you a bow and you see him you gonna need to look at something that looks good