Advice needed for installing an insert

[fnshtr]

I would like to install an insert in my BW PSA III riser (stabilizer position) for using a game tracker on turkey this coming spring season.

I'm a bit hesitant to drill the riser w/o first asking you all for any precautions or advice on how to do it without damaging the bow.  :confused:  

Any help would be appreciated...    

Thanks,
Wayne

[dpowers311]

Call BW and ask them.

Dave

[fnshtr]

Dave,

I thought about calling them, but didn't buy the bow new... bought it here on the classifieds and have lots of confidence in the folks here.

I figure it's been done and just thought I would ask here first.

Thanks for the recommendation though.

Wayne

[BowHuntingFool]

I'm sure you can find some sort of strap on attachment instead of having to drill your bow, the kind for bow fishing I'm thinking!

[Jwilliam]

I would still call them. The Widow boys are great to deal with, and I'm sure they will help you out.


Bill

[BWD]

I would still call them also, but if you decide to do it yourself, I would suggest at least a drill press, padded vise, correct size bit, and collar for bit to insure you do not go to deep. Riser inserts are in the new 3 rivers cat., on pg.23. lol

[fnshtr]

BWD...
Yes, I purchased the insert from 3 Rivers. I will use a drill press and collar (great idea). I'm wondering what to use to seal the wood.

ALL...
I will call BW.

Thanks for the responses.
Wayne

[kennym]

If you do your own, drill the hole as straight in the riser as possible. Then litely coat the finish around the hole and the part of the insert that shows with vaseline.

Coat the inside of the hole and the outside of the insert with epoxy(not so much that it gets in the threads.

This will seal the wood in the hole. The epoxy that sqeezes out around the insert can be peeled off since you coated the insert and bow finish around the hole.

 Remember tho,anywhere you get the grease,the glue WILL NOT STICK !


A q-tip works well for greasin er up!

[boznarras]

A couple more ideas from someone who messes around in a wood shop a good bit:

Definitely want the press and a padded clamp.Carefully set depth limit on the drill to match insert.
Sometimes on irregular shapes, it also helps to support the ends of the work piece, I have two bags of birdshot I use to wedge around and under things beyond the clamp jaws. Bean bags or a sack of dry beans etc would work too in a pinch. These take on the shape of the work piece and help resist movement. Sometimes things are hard to stabilize, sometimes they aren't, this trick helps me with odd shapes.

I sometimes use lubricant like Kennym said to prevent glue sticking (vaseline or paste wax). As he said, if you get the lube anywhere the glue won't stick.
As an alternative, consider neatly putting some painters tape over the area before you drill, and drill right through the tape. Put it on real smooth with no wrinkles. It will help protect the surrounding finish, and will mask the area for gluing the insert. It also gives you a markable surface to easily lay out your drilling spot beforehand.
Carefully pull the tape after you put in the insert to remove any excess glue.

[Rob DiStefano]

all bets are off unless you use a drill press, sharp brad point drill bit, and the riser is well clamped down.

[ishoot4thrills]

I would buy the strap-on thingy as recommended by BowHuntingFool. 3 Rivers and KustomKing both sell them. I have one I use for bowfishing and it works great. It uses the same type rubber straps as does the Great Northern bow quivers. I have the one that can be used on the side of the bow as well as on the back of the bow.

Or, if you insist on using the insert, I would consider sending it to BW and letting them do it. They don't care if you bought the bow from them or not.

[craig1955]

I wouldn't use any type of vaseline or release agent. Epoxy can be wiped off easily with paper towels before it sets.

[BowMIke]

I would go for the strap-on adapter. No need to drill a hole in an attractive bow. JMHO.

[fnshtr]

Thanks all. I've decided to do the insert job myself... taking many precautions. I want the insert so that I can use it for multiple purposes... string tracker, bow camera, etc.

After talking with the BW folks... I plan to take plenty of pics and maybe post it on the "how to" forum.

Thanks for all the advice. It is really appreciated.

Wayne