Ripples in limbs

[joemich1911]

I just recently got into traditional shooting, been shooting a compound for the past 15 yrs or so. I had a hybrid style longbow made for me and I noticed ripples along the back of both the top and bottom limbs. It's really noticeable when strung. Is this something that I should be concerned with? I don't want to specify who made the bow incase it's a flaw which I'm sure he would rectify with no problem. Thanks!

[Crooked Stic]

If the ripples go across the limb ? then it was probably due to using a osilating spindle sander to reduce weight. It will probably be ok though.

[JamesV]

Ripples can be caused by uneven pressure. A rubber-band form or using C clamps can cause ripples if the pressure strip isn't heavy enough.

[ChristopherO]

Having made fiberglass bows I cannot imagine anyone taking a spindle sander to the back or belly (front and back) of a bow to lower weight.  That is the work of hand sanding.
The uneven pressure of bands or C-clamps sounds more plausable. As long as the glue lines are strong it should not make any difference in strenth or durability, IMHO.

[ChuckC]

In Fred Bears video Rural Route One, it shows his "tillering man" checking tiller on a bow, then taking it to a drum sander to reduce weight on one limb, then checking it again, etc.

In a small shop hand sanding is likely the norm.  In the bigger shops. . .  maybe not.

ChuckC

[Hermon]

Can you feel the "ripples" or is it just a visual thing.  Some veneers can have a "rippled" look to them.  Just a thought.

[Dale in Pa]

If it's through the whole limb core,that is from back to belly,it's from the form having ripples in it.

The finished bow is gonna take the form profile exactly.That's why it's so important to have  perfectly radiused curves on the bow form.

[Thumper Dunker]

How about some pictures .

[Crooked Stic]

You are getting a lot of opinions here.If you know the bowyers # call him up and see what he says.