Would this work

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I'm bad when it comes to cutting a splice. I tried both the W & Z splice and both broke on me. I was thinking if this would work.

L splice then add a handle on the belly & back side of the splice for extra hold. I know I can make that splice, because I did it for something else and it held. It wasn't holding any kind of heavy weight or flex like in a  bow. So what do you think?

Might even have to go with a 2 piece bow, the slide kind.

[John Scifres]

I've had some pretty sloppy z splices hold with good epoxy.  I'd say you are better off learning how to do the z splice.  There is about twice as much surface area to hold the weight that bows put on them.

Making a splice is pretty easy but you have to set up right.  Squared off sides and belly are critical.  Patience is too.  Are you laying out your pattern on the billets each time?  It hels a lot to draw it on a piece of paper and then copy it.  Then glue with Elmer's on the billets.

What type of adhesive are you using?  A gap filling one like Urac or epoxy is critical.  Wood glues require a tight joint and unless you are using lumber and are pretty good at cutting, you won't get it.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I was using TB III, my cutting a straight line with my 12" table bandsaw ( with a thin blade) I can't cut a nice line. I do draw it on paper first.

I guess I need  a better bandsaw...

[Pat B]

I have made a few "Z" splices, none with very good cuts but none have failed. Like John said, a gap filling glue(I used Urac) is necessary for not so good joints. A backing strip or overlays helps to hold the splice together.    Pat

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I'll try it when I get back. Going out of town for a week. I'll be in PA, near fogalsville (sp)

[hickry]

Hey Guido,
I don't have the experience of these other guys, but I have done one.  My joints, as compared to what I'd seen done by more experienced guys, were terrible.  Big gaps.  I used epoxy for glue and clamped with "C" clamps to help pull joints in a little tighter (not too tight though).  Next day I drilled the handle and put two dowels through the entire handle (run parallel w/ back).  THEN I wrapped the handle with epoxy-soaked jute.  I've shot this one quite a bit and haven't had any problems.  Again, this is my only try at it... but it worked in this case.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

thanx hickry, The pieces I'm going to splice is wenge & I have some pieces of other woods of lighter color I was going to add as over lays for the handle area.

[Tom Leemans]

Yes, use Urac or Resourcinal on that splice and you can get away with a little slop. Glues like TB like tight joints.

Read this article for help.  http://bowyersedge.com/glue.html

[Steve Kendrot]

Z-splice has been my nemesis. I did finally get one to hold together though and I am shooting it now. I had some slop but the Urac seems to have filled it. Read up on tuning your band saw if you haven't already. I understand it can make a big difference.