Treavor.... There are a couple, or more, ways to do it. I haven't done it, but stay tuned... I'm going to do one within the next two weeks, unless I get behind again.
I've been studying up on the methods and have settled on three ways to try:
1. The Connexion hinge... This is a system that Black Widow used to use. I had one and it seemed to be fine. I have two sets of "buildalongs" printed out and this will be the way I do my first attempt. Installation seems pretty straightforward... takes some basic shop tools and a lot of nerve. Disadvantage: cost... $80 to $90
2. Reduce riser diameter in mid-section, cut bow in half and build a fiberglass sleeve. This is sort of a variation of what Widow is now using. I have a buildalong and an old magazine article on doing this one. Again, basic shop tools, plus willingess to work with fiberglass... plus a lot of nerve.
You don't say what kind of bow. To me, D style longbow equates to straight grip, which is what I build and which certainly makes either of the above easier. I don't think I'd be willing to undertake it on a bow with very much shaping to the riser.
Oh, yeah... I mentioned a third way... kind of outlandish and my own thought (though I'm sure others have been there first). I don't need a take down to be taken down more frequently than for occasional airline travel. I had the thought of simply machining one stainless steel plate 7/8" to 1" wide and 4" to 6" long (have to measure the particular bow) and another narrower. Drill and taper four holes in the wider front plate for flathead machine screws... probably 3/16" fine thread. Drill and tap corresponding holes in second, narrower plate. Bore appropriate holes through bow and line with appropriate metal tubing so the screws don't wear the wood. Saw bow in half. Plate each surface with a hard laminate of size to equal curf removed. With wide plate on back of bow and narrow plate on the belly side of the riser, bolt bow together. Hopefully, shoot... I could, of course, be nuts, but having had the thought, I know I'll try it sooner or later. Cost should be negligible and if sawing it in half and putting fiberglass or a hinge on it works, I don't see why this wouldn't. Requirements, again, basic shop tools and nerve, plus a degree of possible insanity.
I have the Connexion hinge coming late this week or early next. I have two bows I can play with, but I'm being overcome by the idea of building a new one for this project, for reasons not important here. If I do, I'll still build it as a solid bow, and then install the hinge and cut it.
If you want to talk, email me direct:
[email protected]
Topic: Who can make a one piece to a two piece (Read 338 times)
