Build up longbow handle?

[elbow]

I have a 64" elburg, dont like the grip, anyone ever build uptheir longbow grip to make it like a locator grip? If so what did you use? Effect on bow perormance?

[JimB]

It wouldn't be hard to do if you used an epoxy putty like taxidermists use.You can build up any shape you want,even mold it to your hand shape.you have at least an hours working time and if you want to sand or rasp,let it cure overnight.It will be fairly hard in 3 hours.

Cover with leather and you won't be able to see the epoxy.If you ever wanted to change it back,rasp off the bulk of the epoxy,sand the last little bit down to the surface of the wood and refinish that small area.

Right now,the best of those epoxies for sanding and rasping is All Game.It also smooths very easily when applying.Your taxidermist may fix you up or check out taxidermy suppliers.

Once you have it,you will fins a thousand uses for the stuff.

[str8jct]

Excellent thread elbow, I've been wanting to do the same thing.

Thanks JimB.

[ChuckC]

or just use Bondo and do the same thing.  Been there, done it, works fine.  I can't see how it could change the bow's performance, unless you build up the handle right on up to the limb tips.

You can wrap the fresh stuff in saran wrap and more or less shape it to your desire, including molding it to exactly fit your hand, then finish it better when it dries.

I personally don't think the "mold it to your hand" idea is all that wonderful, but some folks may like it.
ChuckC

[lpcjon2]

Hockey Tape works great for a grip.

[Dave Bulla]

Super glue and leather can make a very durable, beautiful build up with options for different colors.  It conforms perfectly to existing contours too so you don't have to make a flat spot like you would to glue on say a wood build up.

Here's a link to a build along I did a couple years ago on a kids self bow handle.  Not the mod you are looking to do but the concept is the same.  You could put it where ever you want it.

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000066

[David Mitchell]

Before you put putty on your bow, go to a sporting goods store and get a roll of athletic tape that is a rubbery type of material that adheres strongly to itself but will not stick to your bow.  You can build the grip up however you want and try different things before doing something more permanent.  I use it on my metal handled recurve to insulate it in cold weather and since it is pourous material it absorbs sweat in hot weather and gives a good grip under all conditions.

[Lost Arra]

I've used Dave Bulla's method many times on selfbows.        

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Originally posted by Dave Bulla:
Super glue and leather can make a very durable, beautiful build up with options for different colors.  It conforms perfectly to existing contours too so you don't have to make a flat spot like you would to glue on say a wood build up.

Here's a link to a build along I did a couple years ago on a kids self bow handle.  Not the mod you are looking to do but the concept is the same.  You could put it where ever you want it.

  http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000066  

[Shakes.602]

ALL Excellent Ideas!! I need to do that Very thing on My LongBow, due to "My High Wrist Grip" from my Frozen/Fuzed Left Wrist!!        BONDO.....Just Like Duct Tape....A Million and One Uses!!  

[kenn1320]

I used a 2 part epoxy I had around the house. I got it from POR-15 company. It was easy to work with, and I let it set up over night. Its not going anywhere, drys rock hard. I dont think it affect performance, but think it helps me consistently hold the bow the same every time.