Changing a grip shape

[Lambow]

I don't like locator grips on longbows either - especially Hill style bows.

I bought an old Louie Armbruster, Zebra longbow last month that had a locator grip.
Filled it with some plastic wood,let it set about 12 hrs. then rasped and sanded it to a straight grip.

I believe I would of liked the Apoxie better, due to it being easier to shape to the riser and it probably does not shrink like the plastic wood does, but I allowed for that.

Thanks for showing, Goshawkin.

 

[Goshawkin]

Lambow,Nice bow!

Yep,I've tried a few things,but I think this Apoxie is the way to go for sure. Zero shrinkage.

[straitera]

Real fine job on that grip Eric.

Hope I remember Apoxie if/when I ever get to another grip rebuild. Good info Nick. Thanks

[Lambow]

Thanks Nick, and Buddy.

Need to stain or take a rasp to that leather grip. I don't really want to replace the grip leather, b/c I like how thin it is.... but don't know how it got so splotchie.

[Sixby]

Light Weight bondo with fiberglass mixed in it works really fast and great. I have shaped a lot of grips with it. It works especially great for custom fit grips on phenolic risers. You simply paint the riser with carbon colored enamel when finished and you can never tell it was done.  You can get a perfect form fit to the hand doing this. Let it almost set and have the customer wear a pair of nitrile form fitting gloves and grip the bow in shooting position. you get a grip that fits the hand like no other.
I have also mixed up Smooth-On with sanding of the phenolic and used it. That works really great too. You just have to keep an eye on it and apply when it gets just a little stiff and then let it set until it barely takes an impression.

God bless, Steve

[Green]

Nick - Finally decided today to follow suit on a Wesley I have that has a locator grip. If it works out as well as it should, then I may do it on my Jerry Hill as well. I ordered two 1/4# packs.....reckon that's enough?  

Thanks for the tips, and I appreciate those who posted up about their experience with other products to accomplish the same thing.      

[Goshawkin]

Sorry Rob,I didn't see your post until now. That will be way more than enough.

Steve,I tried the glove trick while a bow was setting up,works great with the Apoxie too.It would probably be real nice on a recurve grip.

Here's another Timberline I just finished,
Before...
   

After...
   

I left a little extra lip up near the top of the riser and shot it then sanded,shot/sanded, a few times until it just felt perfect.

[Green]

Nick - so, I finally am getting around to taking my Jerry Hill Wildcat to a straight grip.  Here's a pic or two of the progress.  Will sand her out after tomorrow morning's hunt.  Does anyone have a link to a good how-to on cutting, forming, and stitching a new leather grip?

Before

 

As she dries now

 

[slowbowjoe]

Green,
I don't have the link, but do remember there is a thread or two on replacing the leather... either on Pow Wow and/or the how -to's.

[joe ashton]

I've used it on a few bows with good results but never  thought to make dog droppings with it.  That is thinking out side the box.