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Author Topic: Building up a handle  (Read 3282 times)

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Offline Lee Lobbestael

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Building up a handle
« on: August 30, 2016, 04:58:22 am »
How do you guys build up a handle on a bendy handled bow? I'm making a hickory bow that due to the thickness of the stave will be partially bendy handled. I like a full grip that fits my hand but i'm not sure how to build it up as I usually make stiff handle bows. Thanks in advance
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Offline ajooter

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Re: Building up a handle
« Reply #1 on: August 30, 2016, 06:16:57 am »
Cork works great!
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Offline Lee Lobbestael

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Re: Building up a handle
« Reply #2 on: August 30, 2016, 06:21:28 am »
I have used cork in the past but the problem is that the handle isn't planed flat right now and I don't want to make it any thinner by going that
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Offline FilipT

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Re: Building up a handle
« Reply #3 on: August 30, 2016, 06:52:50 am »
I heard about thick sinew placed on needed spot and then leather wrap around it.
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Offline Lee Lobbestael

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Re: Building up a handle
« Reply #4 on: August 30, 2016, 06:58:55 am »
Hmm that's a good idea!
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Offline George Tsoukalas

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    • Traditional and Primitive Archers
Re: Building up a handle
« Reply #5 on: August 30, 2016, 08:42:22 am »
If I decide to build up a handle I add strips of eather where it is needed. Jawge
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Offline Lee Lobbestael

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Re: Building up a handle
« Reply #6 on: August 30, 2016, 09:15:00 am »
What do you use to glue the leather?
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Offline ajooter

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Re: Building up a handle
« Reply #7 on: August 30, 2016, 09:32:08 am »
I buy sheets of cork.  Even if the handle isn't flat you can use bicycle innertubes then wrap the cork tightly and it will conform to whatever shape your handle is.  After a few layers you can then flatten it.
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Offline Pat B

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Re: Building up a handle
« Reply #8 on: August 30, 2016, 09:37:57 am »
I use thick shoe leather. Thick harness or saddle leather works too. I've only used vegetable tanned leather for this.  Cut it to shape, thoroughly wet it and remove the excess then use TB glue to glue it down. I use rubber bands to hold the leather in place until the glue dries. I've used leather and this method for a long time with good results.
Here are a few pic of how I do it...






here I added a second layer...


once the leather and glue have dried I saturate the leather with super glue. This allows me to shape it with a rasp and sand paper...


here is the handle ready for final sanding and the handle wrap of choice...


I also do the same with tip overlays. Same process.

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Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline Lee Lobbestael

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Re: Building up a handle
« Reply #9 on: August 30, 2016, 09:52:32 am »
great I have thick leather already so I'll try that
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Offline Pat B

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Re: Building up a handle
« Reply #10 on: August 30, 2016, 10:00:46 am »
Don't forget the matching tip overlays...





I forgot to mention, by wetting the leather it will mold to just about any shape so if your handle is somewhat irregular it works well there.
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Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline ajooter

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Re: Building up a handle
« Reply #11 on: August 30, 2016, 10:08:21 am »
Those overlays look good pat.  I'm sure they are purely aesthetic in matching the handle but I like em!
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Offline Lee Lobbestael

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Re: Building up a handle
« Reply #12 on: August 30, 2016, 10:22:46 am »
They do look great! Would gorilla glue work for this?
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Offline Pat B

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Re: Building up a handle
« Reply #13 on: August 30, 2016, 07:50:26 pm »
I've never used Gorilla glue so I can't say. Any of the TB glues will work though.
 The leather tip overlays are totally functional. After they are super glued they are as hard as many hardwoods. They have a wood grain look also.
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Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline loon

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Re: Building up a handle
« Reply #14 on: August 30, 2016, 07:58:12 pm »
Nice

I like the wizardgoat style handles built up on the back, I think he uses cork? And then wraps with skin
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