First attempt at laminate flatbow-Finished

[Erik]

So after some month and some set-backs, I have finished my first flatbow. It's ~50#@27" and 64" in length.

It started out as an all-wood project, but as I ended up with a 20# bow I decided to add glass laminate.
The biggest challenge in this regard, was to get the belly and fades completely flat and level, and the first time around the top belly laminate detached because the surface of the fade/limb interface wasn't level.I had to strip both belly lams, get them leveled and glue new ones on.

The wood lams are ash and jatoba and the handle is Nicaraguan cocobolo and the handle overlay is mexican cocobolo (it's supposed to be, but I think it's a bit dark for cocobolo!). The arrow rest is glued on, as my first encounter with a belt sander took a tole on the handle section   :eek: .
 

I think the shape when it's strung looks fine dunno about the tiller at 27", but I like it the way it is now, although it doesn't come close to the craftsmanship of others posting on this forum, I'm proud of it and I think it shoots quite well.
 
 

\\Erik

[frank bullitt]

Looks good, Erik!  

[wood carver 2]

Looks good! happy shooting.      
Dave.

[Pat B]

A little above the handle the top limb seems to bend a bit more then the rest of the limb. Watch for frets in this area on the belly because of the glass back.

[Erik]

Thanks Frank and David.

Thanks for the heads up Pat, such frets, I guess they run along the length of the limb, right?

\\Erik

[Pat B]

Frets are compression fractures and look like small lines(cracks) across the grain. They are actually broken grain and you can feel them with your finger or finger nail.

[mwosborn]

I think there is glass on the belly as well as the back?

Looks like is bending pretty well to me - nice job.

[Erik]

Thanks Mitch, You're correct, There's glass on The belly as well.

[Pat B]

If it is glass back and belly there shouldn't be a problem with fretting.

[Erik]

At least one thing less to worry about, Pat.

[Roy from Pa]

Looks nice, congrats.

[Erik]

Thanks Roy.