handle splice help

[cutty]

Trying my first splice, a Z splice. If you set back the limbs for a reflex doesn't that leave a gap on the bottom? 
Do you cut belly to fit for relex or fill gaps?  what is  an acceptable gap width.
I did somm practice ones on scrapes and theres a gap on the belly after relex.

[Bryce]

Fill the gaps with glue and wood dust and keep building:) I use a V-splice anymore.

[Jefficus]

I have a quick question about this too:  when splicing, should the V or Z be visible from the back/belly of the bow, or from the side? thanks!

[Drewster]

Cutty, I leave my handle area a little extra thick until I do the Z splice, then if I add reflex I have some material to trim flush again.  I also use slivers or small wedges of the same wood to fill any voids that may occur.

Jefficus, the splice will be visible from the back and belly.

[Jim Davis]

I have a quick question about this too:  when splicing, should the V or Z be visible from the back/belly of the bow, or from the side? thanks!

Back and belly. It would be weaker the other way and very hard to line up the limbs.

[cutty]

The splice came out great, now, do you just wipe joints with acetone before glue up or soak them.

[Drewster]

What kind of wood are you using? What type glue are you going to use?  How tight is the joint you cut?

[cutty]

Osage, smooth-on, 1/16" gaps

[bownarra]

Gaps are no good. before you glue up then get a pan and some tin foil and steam the spliced parts for 15 minutes.
Fit together and clamp until cold.
You will find that you now have perfect mating surfaces.

[Dances with squirrels]

No acetone needed if gluing fresh clean cuts.