Limb tip question

[AzGreg]

Hi, I hope I’m posting in the correct forum but I figured bowyers would be the best people to ask. I’m relatively new to the hobby and really enjoying it. I recently picked up a late 60’s Shakespeare Necedah x26 at a yard sale for $45.its a #45. It looked to be in reasonable shape so I picked it up. It shoots awesome and I really like it but I discovered that same evening that one of the tip overlays was missing the very tip. My newbie eyes didn’t see it. Guess it’s a learning experience. The first picture is of the good overlay on opposite side. The second 2 are of the missing tip of the overlay. They look to be wooden overlays on this bow and it’s missing right at were the string fits in the grove to the end tip. One of the local older guys at the range told me it wouldn’t hurt anything and that that part of it is just for aesthetics. To me it looks like it would put all the stress right on the fiberglass. Any thoughts on this? Should I not worry about it and just shoot it? I didn’t want to spend a million bucks on this bow but I’m willing to send it in to get repaired if needed. Looks like it would be around $50 plus shipping. Any good recommendations for a repair shop if I go that route. I’m out in Arizona. I found 2 places online, vintagearchery.org and elkridgearchery.com. Any info is appreciated! Thank you.

[Mad Max]

It may be OK but

YOU could repair that easy yourself.
super glue and a small piece of hard wood.
I would trim it back from where it broke off 3/16" or so and glue the new piece on.
A chainsaw file is how the groove is made, then some 220 sand paper wrapped around the file to smooth it out.
Take your time and work it out.

[AzGreg]

I hadn’t thought of doing it myself, not sure I trust my wood working skills haha, thanks for the advice.

[Kirkll]

That tip overlay is the only thing keeping the string from splitting the fiberglass. It would be pretty easy to sand that missing tip area flat and use super glue to add another hardwood overlay. Just be sure and taper the new overlay BEFORE to glue it on so it's easier to sand the taper to the glass. Like max said....use a chainsaw file to shape it.

If you keep shooting it like that it could ruin the limb.

[AzGreg]

Ok, I was wondering would it be better to remove the whole overlay and make a new one  rather than trim it back 3/16? Do I do this with a file and then when it gets closer down to the glass I would sandpaper it? Looks like I could use superglue to adhere it, what would I seal it with? Thanks guys

[Kirkll]

If i were you, i would  take both the top and bottom overlays completely down to the glass and start over again, and use some phenolic and hardwood together.

If you send me your address in a PM, i can send you the materials. Or .... i could even lay up some new laminated overlays for you that can be installed and shaped.   I have some you tube videos showing the whole procedure.     Please let me know if that will help.     Kirk

[AzGreg]

Kirk, those videos were excellent and just what I needed, thank you! I might stay with just the wood for now to keep it the “classic” look. I’ll let you know if I decide to go the phenolic route and if so I’ll certainty take you up on the offer. Much appreciated.

[Kirkll]

Kirk, those videos were excellent and just what I needed, thank you! I might stay with just the wood for now to keep it the “classic” look. I’ll let you know if I decide to go the phenolic route and if so I’ll certainty take you up on the offer. Much appreciated.

Glad the videos helped…. If you plan on just staying with wood overlays I would still recommend a laminated tip overlay vs one piece of wood , and be mindful of the type of string you put on it. If fast flight string is used to build Flemish strings , make sure you have the loops padded. I wouldn’t recommend an endless loop string with serving material on those wood overlays. That combo has killed a lot of old bows…..

 Most guys use the B-50 or B-55 Dacron material for those old bows with thin wood overlays or no overlays. But…. It’s like using a rubber band for a string in comparison to fast flight.     Good luck to you….  Kirk

[AzGreg]

Thanks Kirk, yes I plan on using Flemish twist Dacron for the string. I’ll probably just go wood for the time being to test it out and my “skills” of doing it. If it doesn’t hold up I’ll be using your process. I know I should use a hardwood but any particular recommendations I can pick up easily from Lowe’s or depot? I don’t know my woods to well. Thanks.

[Kirkll]

You could probably get a flooring sample for a number of different hardwoods. Hickory, or hard maple, or Ipe would work well. White oak is pretty hard stuff too.

If Lowe’s or Home Depot doesn’t have flooring samples, look for a hardwood flooring supplier in your area.

Good luck to you.   

[Mad Max]

Someone in your area that does wood working.

[AzGreg]

Ok thanks for the advise gents, will post up pics of completed project here in a couple weeks when hunting season is done.