Riser template

[longbow565]

Does anyone use some kind of riser grinding template and if so what has worked the best for you

[LittleBen]

I'm interested to hear about this also ... Really trying to make a push to "automate" some of my building.

I love building bows but don't particularly love hogging off material freehand when theres a better way.

Think I saw somewhere a guy was using the end of an edge sander that had a metal guide below the belt for use as a pattern sander ..... seemed awesome, as though a big edge sander wasn't already a dream.

[Robertfishes]

I have made a couple of templates using plywood and toggle clamps. I use a "Robo Sander" with a tungston carbide metal sleeve for a drill press pattern sander. The metal sanding sleeves have gone up in price nearly 50% since I bought the first one in 2009..I bought a used Grizzly 1140 6x80 edge sander and with the help of a friend i am building a pattern sander on the end. It will be made with 3/8" 6061 aluminum and a 1/4" high rub coller. Crooked stic has made more than a few templates and would be more help to you..

[Bowjunkie]

Sorry for the small derail, but Robert, what size are the carbide sleeves and where did you get them. I've looked for them, but haven't found something I liked. They're all much smaller than what I use now. Also, how long do they last compaired to say a 50 grit paper sleeve?

[LittleBen]

I really like the idea of an edge or belt sander for the pattern sander because there's so much sanding area ... less changing sandpaper ... more makign sawdust.

[Robertfishes]

I think I got them from "McMaster Carr"??? 3 inch x 3inch fits the rubber drum sanders and Robo Sander..I bought a 36 grit and a 60 grit. The 36 grit cut deep grooves into the riser and made glue lines look "a little big" on the first one. I ended up having to buy the 60 grit sleeve and glue lines are perfect. So I now get it close with the rough 36grit and finish off with the 60 grit tungston carbide sleeve. I have used them on 25 risers so far.

[Bowjunkie]

Thank you sir!

[Crooked Stic]

I made my initial templates from plywood by fit and sand by hand until you get the perfect fit. Then screw a piece of plexiglass onto it and bandsaw close to your plywood pattern then finisih with a pattern bit on the router table. Then you something more substantial for your rub collar.  [/url] [/IMG]

[goobersan]

I'm hoping to get a jig(s) made for a router table. Any other pics on how yours works ?

[longbow565]

Thanks guys. Looks good crooked stic

[bamboo]

I've been using this jig--and it is handy but not final!!I'm not in love with it--the rub collar is fixed to the table
 
 
 
I'm thinkin of rigging this end table with a similar system---
 

[7 Lakes]

If you have a drill press, this seems much simpler.
 http://www.luthiersfriend.com/robosander/robosander.html

[bigbob2]

that looks like it might be a great idea. Don't suppose they would be available at any machine shops over here.

[Robertfishes]

This is what I have been using to shape Recurve risers. I use my band saw and cut close to the line ..I take the  composite guide wheel off of the robo sander and drop the tungsten carbide down into a 3 inch hole in the 3/4" plywood. For my longbow I have a jig for a perfect fit..    

[Mad Max]

Robertfishes
How much better are the tungsten carbide sleeves

[Robertfishes]

The TC Sleeve I have is flat so that's a plus..if the robo sander was made with an aluminum drum with a slot for sand paper instead of the flexible rubber drum it would be much better.. the TC sleeves are not cheap and they will not last forever either. Sometimes I have to play with robo sander to get it spinning true. I am looking for more precision and the ability to use different grits ..so I am going to make the pattern sander on my 6x80" belt Sander.