bow handle problem

[Fancy Firewood]

I am making a bamboo backed Ipe bow from a board.  It is 68 inches and has an even arc during tillering.  It is up to 52# at 25 inches and this is about the weight I am attempting.  It had a glued on handle, the action word is "had".  I got her a little thin approaching the handle and the glued on piece popped off.  I can feel the flex through the handle.  My concern is that I have a handle that is 3/4 in thick from back to belly which feels uncomfortable.  I have not made a bend thru the handle before.  Is the thin handle going to be a problem or is this standard on these type of bows?  Also, I am guessing that there is no way to keep a glue-on addition on the bow now that the handle is flexing.  Anyone with any  thoughts.  Thanks

[Eric Krewson]

What kind of glue did you use?

[Fmrjarhead49]

I had something very similar happen to me and I am waiting on my epoxy from 3R's.  The fellas helped me out and pointed me in the right direction.  Hope this helps.

  http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=006337

[Fancy Firewood]

I used Titebond III.  No problems in the past with delamination of backing.  My concern of adding an epoxy bond now that I have flexion in the handle section is whether I am setting myself  up for delam in the future.  Any thoughts on epoxy holding once there is movement in the handle?

Thanks
B

[Eric Krewson]

I only use urac. Build up your handle with a couple of 1/8" strips first, glue with urac, feather them out so they will flex if needed then add the bulk of your handle wood. Your handle will stay on.

 

[John Scifres]

I would not make it into a 68" bendy handle bow.  You can definitely build it up like Eric says and make the handle rigid again.  It will work.

[macbow]

My experience is exactly as Erics. I also only trust urac-185 for the handles.
Ron