Ozbow

Having two billets of hickory to play with, I'm debating making another mollegabet , but am wondering about the handle integrity after i have done the splice and reduced the area for the handle dimensions. Seems that I would be removing quite a bit of the 'shoulders' of the splice in cutting the dimensions of the handle area. Would the length of the glue lines in the splice, together with the glued on section of handle suffice strength wise? Also wondering if it will be the most economical use of the billets[approx 37'' x 2'' x 1 1/4'' and quarter sawn] or would it be better to rip them into slats as backing on say a trilam or such?

Bob, a 'W' splice should be fine if your draw weight will be under 60#.

The red ash bow in the photo is spliced at the handle, the splice being 4" long. It is about ten years old and glued with Techni glue. Incidentally the bow came in at 48# @ 28".
When splicing leave the saw marks as this helps to obtain a better glue bond with the timber.

Incidentally the handle wrap is 4" long.

Daryl

Thanks Daryl, I had hoped it would be.What are your thoughts on the most efficient way of using the hickory? Can't help feeling doing a Mollegabet there would be quite an amount of 'wastage'whereas making slats for backing would obviously be the most expedient means of using most of it.

bigbob wrote:....amount of 'wastage'whereas making slats for backing would obviously be the most expedient means of using most of it.

Or obtain some pole bamboo and make some bamboo backed bows.

Daryl.

What about a Folding Bow, I use Stainless Steel Marine Hatch Hinges

regards Jacko

Both ideas of merit, thanks fellas will do a bit of pondering before I do anything in slack moments.