HBERC Questions

[Dan Landis]

Getting ready to start a HBERC and have a few questions:
How thick should the hickory backing strip be, I have one ground to 3/16", will this work?
How thick should the ERC be before glue up?
I'll be using smooth on for the glue up, do I need to use a toothing plane on the surfaces to be glued?
What would be some basic starting dimensions, my ERC and backing strip are cut to 67"?

[Art B]

Dan, you can start with the 3/16" backing and later work it done some more. Easier to work anyhow once it's glued down. Assuming this is a straight profile with little to no reflexing then start with a thicker board so as to leave a pedestal for gluing on a handle.

Never used smooth-on so maybe someone else can answer that question.......Art

[Dan Landis]

Art, the ERC is actually a stave that the sap wood was very severly cracked, so I roughed out a very wide and thick bow shape, then flattened the back.  Currently it is about 3"+ wide and limbs are1" to 3/4" thick.  I had planned to use a form with about 2" of reflex, if this is possible.

What part of WVa are you in? I used to hunt in WVa a long time ago.

[Art B]

That 2" of reflex is about right I would think Dan. ERC takes a little more limb thickness than whitewoods and using the dimensions mentioned you should be fine. Any major knots to contend with?

I'm from southern WV in Fayette County.........Art

[Dan Landis]

Art, there are two knots both in the same limb, located midway between fade and tip, they are also centered side to side  .  One is about 1/8" dia. the other is about 1/4" dia. and are about 2" apart. The 1/4" dia. one appears to be rotted and the smaller one seems ok.

I used to hunt in Northern WVa, I believe Hardy
county.  

Thanks for your help!!    Dan

[Art B]

Knots don't sound to bad. Just seal the smaller one with super glue. Remove any rot and fill the larger knot with super glue/dust...Art

[Dan Landis]

Thanks Art, Will fill the knots tonight, and time permitting, will do the glue up on weekend. My computer with the camera software on it is not working, hope to get a new one soon.  No pic's for now.  
Thanks again for your help.     Dan