Hinge in Laminated Longbow

albatross

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I recently purchase a laminated/bamboo backed longbow. I followed the bowyers instructions regarding warming up the bow before shooting it, and was very gentle with the initial shooting of the bow. I shot 36 arrows and reached about 3/4 of the draw length. The next day I wanted to make a new flemish twist string for it. When I took it out of its bag I looked along it's length and believe I see what is a 'hinge' in the upper limb. It is only small - but I am reluctant to shoot it again until I get some information. The bowyer seems to think it will be OK, but I am not sure. Is a small 'hinge' acceptable? I will post some pics when I get a chance.

Is it possible to build-up the affected area to remove the 'hinge'?

Thanks for any information.
 
D

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If it's a hinge it not really fixable, (well I s'pose anything is fixable but I don't s'pose you want a belly patch on your new bow).
It may just be a slight bend from an imperfect glue up, or problem in the wood.
It needs 3 pics. unbraced, braced and full draw to say if it is a hinge. A reputable bowyer should repair or replace if it is a problem.
If it is a problem approach the bowyer in a polite reasonable manner with the pics and hopefully they will do the right thing.
Any decent bowyer knows that problems can occur over the first 100 or so arrows as a bow gets shot in.
Del
 

albatross

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Thanks for the reply Del. I have attached 3 images. Unbraced. Braced and drawn (not to full draw as I did not want to damage the bow). The section I am concerned about is on the right of the image in the upper limb. What do you think?

Dennis
 

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D

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Hmmm, yes, I wouldn't be happy with it.
Dunno why it is like that, it would be acceptable as a natural occurrence in a self wood bow, but a laminate should be straight or have a little evenly distributed smooth curvature. Maybe a fault in the materials or the glue-up.
Self evidently if you daren't take it to full draw it's not fit for purpose.
I'd suggest E-mailing the bowyer with the pics and ask for his advice, opinion or comment.
The tiller looks as though it is off, mostly bending in the inner to mid limbs with very little flex in the outer third. The right limb especially doesn't really look as if it has any thickness taper!
Can't really see a hinge, but it would possibly become apparent at full draw.
A total repair would be more time consuming than making a new bow as it would require rasping off the belly (not much fun) and replacing it.
Good luck at getting this resolved.
Del
 

albatross

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Thanks Del.
I have emailed the bowyer these images and await his response.
I have purchased a bow from him previously and never had any problem.
Perhaps it's just one of those things that happen with natural materials under shooting conditions!

Dennis
 
D

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Thanks Del.
I have emailed the bowyer these images and await his response.
I have purchased a bow from him previously and never had any problem.
Perhaps it's just one of those things that happen with natural materials under shooting conditions!

Dennis
If he says it's ok, then take a pic (or video) of it at full draw so we can see.
Del
 

albatross

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Del. This is the reply I have just received from the bowyer.

"Hi Dennis
The one of it drawn looks perfect. Nothing to worry about at all
all the best."

These are images of it at full draw.

So. I will carry-on shooting with it and hope nothing happens!
 

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D

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Looks ok at full draw... it's good that you contacted the bowyer, you'll be covered if a problem develops.
Always best to be cautious.
Del
 

albatross

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I shot the bow Sunday. The 'distortion' got worse. Also the lower limb has developed some string follow (only shot this bow twice). I messaged the bowyer some more pictures of the bow. He has agreed to have it returned to him.

He is suggesting it is my fault as he is saying I selected the bow materials! I have his original email message where he states what woods the bow would be made from!!
 
D

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I shot the bow Sunday. The 'distortion' got worse. Also the lower limb has developed some string follow (only shot this bow twice). I messaged the bowyer some more pictures of the bow. He has agreed to have it returned to him.

He is suggesting it is my fault as he is saying I selected the bow materials! I have his original email message where he states what woods the bow would be made from!!
At least he's doing the right thing... but the suggestion that it's in any way your fault in ridiculous... If you had chosen inappropriate timbers, he should have told you so and suggested sensible alternatives. A bowyer should know his materials.
E.G If someone asked me to make them a bamboo backed Ash bow I would simply refuse as the Ash would collapse.
Just for the record, here's what I did when a Boo/Yew bow I made for someone started taking a sideways bend after a week or so of use.
I tried to repair it, but a week or so later, the fault re-appeared. I gave the bloke a full refund and and an apology for his inconvenience in having to return it. Bows can shift, stuff happens, which is why I tend to only make 'em for people close enough to visit, or for friends etc.
Del
 
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albatross

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Well it's nice doing business with some people. I sent the bow back yesterday and got an email today. I was offered a full refund or the option to purchase another higher quality bow at a discount price - that is what I chose. What a change from the 'scams' you hear/read about almost every day.
 
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