question

[eman614]

do you have to put masking tape on the fiberglass when making a laminated reflex/deflex longbow? i will be using a c clamp style press and was wondering if i could get buy without it.

[Pat B]

I believe the masking tape is only to protect the glass from scratches and to keep glue off of the glass during assembly. I wouldn't think it was critical for a successful bow though.

[Bodork]

I'd highly recommend using it. It will keep your glass from getting all scratched up and keep any epoxy off of it. If  epoxy gets on it, you'll likley sand into the glass trying to get it off. I don't use the 'high heat' stuff. Just don't let it stay on for more than a few days. Oh yea, with certain applications, I've had the adhesive from the blue tape slip under the clamps when applying heat and pressure.

[kennym]

Hi Eric,

Yep,what they said!! Are you ready to start? Good luck and don't forget the pics!!  

[Holm-Made]

The tape is helpful for drawing the profile of the limbs on.  What's an extra few cents in the whole picture?  

When all I have is the sticky white masking tape availiable I pull off a chunk and stick it to my pant leg and pull it off and put it on the glass.  The lint from my pant leg takes some of the stick out of it so I can get the tape off the bow afterwards. Chad

[eman614]

thanks guys. we just had a freak snow storm down here a couple of days ago. and have been without power.kenny to answer your question i was ready to start before i came up there and got the wood from you. but now i am really ready to start. everything is ready to go all i have to do is glue it up and put it in the oven. and yes i did put masking tape on it. again thenks for all the help. and i'll be sure to post some pics.
eric

[talkingcabbage]

Make sure you get the clamps tight before it goes in the box, then check them after an hour when everything is hot to make sure they haven't loosened up.  I got bubbles under my glass cuz I didn't recheck the pressure, and I think after everything got warm and glue leaked out some, the pressure decreased causing bubbles.  Also, make sure you really butter on the glue!

[eman614]

joe that sucks. i saw your pics. it is still a good looking bow, but it would have been muck nicer without those air bubbles. i am using black glass so i will never know if there are bubbles under the glass. at least i hope not! thanks for the advice i'll be sure and keep it in mind.
eric