my first lam bow

[huntersteve]

well...I just finshed cleaning off all the glue and plastic from a 68" longbow that I put together...this was a Binghams project bow....It has a zebrawood riser,limbs are actionboo core,z-wood lams under clear glass...my question is....How deep should I(or can I)cut the shelf in...and also should I cut in the shelf about 1.25" above centerline....I'm used to making wood bows and didn't know if the same general rules apply.....thanks..Steve

[Pat B]

Steve, did Binghams not recommend more details for the shelf and arrow pass placement?

[huntersteve]

what they do is they include blueprintsof the limb and riser patterns...so I traced them off onto plexiglass and cut them out....laid them onto the limbs and riser and traced them off....but the shelf in the pattern was no more than a quater of an inch....so...I cut in a shelf of about 3/8's of an inch deep just like I've done on my wood bows...I guess time will tell...I worked the handle down with a rasp today...tomorrow I'm going to cut in the string grooves and put a string on it....If I can figure out how I'll post some pics...I set up a pic file with photobucket...just haven't got the rest figured out yet...by the way Pat...I would like to join you this year for your weekend camp and bow build if you'll have me....Steve

[Leo L.]

When you get your pic uploaded to photobucket, mouse over it and copy the Image URL and paste it here.

[Pat B]

Steve, you are welcome to come join us. I haven't set a date but usually it is around my B-day which is July 28. Probably the last weekend in July. Just keep in touch!
   You should be OK with what you have done with the shelf.

[huntersteve]

Hopefully this will work...if so here's a pic of the riser...Steve

 

[huntersteve]

another....

 

[Apex Predator]

I think you can go a good bit deeper than that, but it depends on the draw weight.  Zebra is not as heavy and dense as some riser woods though, so be careful.  If it's no more than 50# you can get at least another 1/8" I would think.  Next time laminate an accent in the middle of the riser block.  That will make it much stronger.

[huntersteve]

Thanks for the info AP......the bow is supposed to end up at or about 50#'s....at least thats what I asked for...

[Apex Predator]

I'm thinking you can go as deep as that dark line in the zebra on the back.  It's quite deep, so I think you will be ok.  I would check the draw weight first though.  It may be 70#!  

[huntersteve]

I haven't put it on my scales yet...but I did string it...check tiller...there was 1/8" difference between top and bottom at the fade outs...I drew the bow and it feels like 50-55#'s to me....I did final sanding on the riser and lightly buffed the limbs with 220 grit...I put the first poly coat on it....It really looks great to me....I'll post some more pics...Steve

[huntersteve]

some final pics.......
 
 
 

[kennym]

Looks great! Bet you love shootin it!