Purpose of a power lam

[li'ljohn]

Hi all, Since I am so new to bow making, some of these terms seem somewhat foreign. In reading through the archives, I have seen short power lams incorporated in the glue up of wood bows.

The question in my mind is what is the purpose of such a short lamination? does it really increase power of the bow,or is it simply a name for a decorative piece.

Thanks,

li'ljohn

[soopernate]

Two purposes as near as I can tell....

1. It keeps the middle section stiff so your handles don't pop off

2. Moves the bend in the limb out away from the handle and smooths that transition out  to prevent hinging

My main reason for using power lams was number one but I am just a wood hack.

[Apex Predator]

Yep, what he said.

[li'ljohn]

Thanks for the replies. That is a big help.

li'ljohn