Hemp Handle Wrap?

[Buxndiverdux]

I've looked in the how to forum and didn't see one. Any tips as to how its done? Thanks,

[CalebNH00]

I think it's done by soaking the the hemp in glue, then wrapping the handle.

[Dan Landis]

I usually wrap mine dry, then brush on the Massey finish until saturated.  It's probably not the correct way, just how I've done the few that I've done.  I think they turned out ok though.

[Pat B]

I do it just like Dan does. I did my first one a few years back trying to hold together a tri-lam that was made with spliced lams. After adding the hemp handle wrap saturated with Massey finish I never had trouble with this bow again. I named the bow "Troublesome...handle with care"
 I now use a hemp wraped handle on most of my bows now. It makes a good all weather grip.

[Mark Baker]

I personally like rattan handles, but I've done a few jute.   I usually soak in water, wrap em, then brush on a coat of water based poly first, followed by whatever I'm finishing my bow with, which is usually minwax poly.   I'd do hemp the same.

[Ricker]

I agree with Pat, I use it on most every bow too. The only other material I like is Beaver tail, but that gets pricey. I wrap mine on dry,then use a bic lighter to de-fuzz, then carefully and sparingly soak with "super glue".  Ready to use in 20 minutes or so.

[Pat B]

I do de-fuzz with a lighter too.

[macbow]

Do it the same way wrap then Massey, several coats.
The only reason I don't do all bows with it is covering,up pretty wood. The feel is great especially on a bulbous handle.

[Buxndiverdux]

Thanks for all the replies, but that leads to one more question? What is a Massey finish?  

[Roy from Pa]

Massey finish is epoxy mixed then thinned with a compatible solvent, so it's like a watered down epoxy.

[mwosborn]

I used it for the first time a couple of weeks ago - followed Pat's advice - mixed the epoxy, added a bit of acetone and stirred it up good.  The epoxy kind of dissolves.  Then applied it to the wrap with just a paper towel.  I let it dry over night and then applied a second coat...and then a 3rd.  Worked great.

[PEL]

What a perfect thread for me just now! I am looking to secure some handles on some bi and tri lams - bamboo backed and bellied etc - I have had two failures but this sounds like the thing!  Thanks all!

[George Tsoukalas]

I stain and spray on 1 coat of finish. I mark where I want to put the hemp wrap, brush on some waterproof wood glue, and wrap the hemp from top down. When I'm done I do a 1/2 hitch and put a spot of glue over it.  I then spray a couple more coats. I usually use  spar urethane. Jawge