riser with an arch cut out or "I" Beam?

[Schmidtster]

So I was just wondering what some peoples opion would be on the effects of cutting an arch into a riser and adding phenolic or another type of wood. or making a I bean riser out of phenolic and wood. which would give more strength?

[T Folts]

I believe the I-Beam is stronger.

[rmorris]

I-beam is much easier if you are not setup for the crescent designs, but for strength? I think I-beam would be stronger...

What weight of bow are you thinking of making and are you planning some kind of super thin riser design?

Whatever you do please keep us updated and show lots of pictures...

[Schmidtster]

I'm actually just planning on making my first fiberglass lam bow I like the look of both designs  but want to make the riser as strong as possible just in case I go a little thin by accident

[kennym]

I've put a phenolic I-beam in a couple, I like it. It adds a bit of weight and makes the bow feel kinda crisper?

I use a pc of 1/4" and 2pcs - 1/16"  of a different color.

DVS has one of em....

[Robertfishes]

I think I'm gonna try an I-Beam in a future build, it looks very strong. KennyM helped me out on my first longbow riser, that one had 2 pieces of glass and a thin piece of maple in it. I built a jig for my bandsaw and used it on a couple of other risers. the pic is of the swing jig I "copied"..I built mine a little different by putting the clamps closer together. I think the more glass the better, I haven't used phenolic in a riser yet.. Kirk at Bigfoot bows uses a very strong G-10 material in his risers.  

[Robertfishes]

                                           

[Robertfishes]

another option, no jig needed..        

[Robertfishes]

I built this riser using the bow form to glue all 30 pieces together..ya,it was a pain but worth the effort! it's Helens favorite bow..  This riser is very strong! I cut it 3/16" past center and I think I could still use it as a pry bar..  

[Schmidtster]

WOW!!! those are all incredible bows!! thanks for your input guys that band saw swing jig makes it seem a little less intimidating but still up in the air which one to use. we will see come winter what I decide. the wife said I have to shoot a deer with the bow I have before I can make another one ahhaha