Delaminating mess up and looking for glue up tips

[kennym]

They do look like air bubbles, how much pressure used?

Also some guys have had the lams to gas off if not dry enough. One bowyer says to let the bow sit in press for a couple hours before heat, to let the epoxy start to fire off.  This way it doesn't heat the lams too soon and make the wood let gas off. 

[Susquehannariverarcher]

50 lbs. Should I be going more? Is pressure the main cause of air bubbles?

[kennym]

I've used from 50 to 70 so I don't think that would be it.

[Susquehannariverarcher]

Ok. Does this lead to failure or is it more of cosmetic thing?

[jess stuart]

It is good to air up your hose in increments with a few minutes between each increment.

[Susquehannariverarcher]

Ok. I was doing increments but definitely not that long in between.

[jess stuart]

Bearpaw glass or Gordon's?  I let mine sit about 30 minutes before going in the hotbox.

[Susquehannariverarcher]

Bearpaw

[buckeyebowhunter]

I believe there are two reasons for getting those air bubbles, insufficient pressure in that particular area and not letting the lams gas off. Check the gap in your form in the area where the bubbles occurred if it is larger that the length of the gap between the rest of the form this could be the issue, and like Kenny said I always let my limb sit in the form for about an hour before putting into the oven, haven't had any issues with air bubbles since doing this practice knock on wood.

[Susquehannariverarcher]

They're pretty consistent throughout the limb. I'm guessing that might mean not enough pressure throughout? There is a chance I may not have used as much pressure as I thought.

Depending on when the mail gets here I should be gluing another one up today. I will try letting sit in the form. Unfortunately I won't be using clear glass. So I'm guessing it will be hard to tell.

[buckeyebowhunter]

What is the gap distance?

[buckeyebowhunter]

I've been airing up to 50psi and then in the oven it brings it up to 60ish, you don't want to use too much. Don't ask how I know.

[jess stuart]

Bearpaw is not noted for clarity and quality any longer. 

[Susquehannariverarcher]

Jess what do you recommend?

[jess stuart]

Gordon's is more consistent with both strength and clarity.  Seems bearpaw quality really sliped the last few years.  I no longer use it

[Susquehannariverarcher]

Thank you!

[Kirkll]

Gordon's is more consistent with both strength and clarity.  Seems bearpaw quality really sliped the last few years.  I no longer use it

Bear Paw glass hasn't been synonymous with consistency or quality for many years. It does seem to hold up ok after its laid up though.... if you were building low budget production bows where you are not seriously concerned with hitting a certain draw weight, you can save a lot of money buying it in large rolls..... Stick with gordon glass for better consistency. But even Gordon glass has imperfections in clear glass.  I do not guarantee the clarity of clear glass over veneers for my customers. Darker colored veneers show more imperfections than lighter colored veneers. Some come out flawless, others have streaks or cloudy spots. Curing at lower temps is always a good plan with clear glass, as higher temps often create air bubbles.... food for thought....  Kirk