Fillin gout the grip

[Prarie Bowyer]

So I'm working on a new bow that has the 5 curve profile glued in as a triple laminate and kerf cut recurves.

I want to fill out the handle some but I want to go bendy handle I think.  This design is WAY underrated if you ask me.  Question is to finish it out nicely how should I do that"  I'm thinking I'll use cork but the wrapping and the arrow pass area.  I'm looking for ideas.

[dwardo]

I stack off-cuts of 3mm leather on-top of each other and hold them in place with glue. Then I shape the sides for comfort.
Sometimes then wrap with a strong button thread and more glue. Then over the top with the leather grip.

[Del the cat]

I stack off-cuts of 3mm leather on-top of each other and hold them in place with glue. Then I shape the sides for comfort.
Sometimes then wrap with a strong button thread and more glue. Then over the top with the leather grip.

+1 for that.
Del

[Tom Leemans]

If you soak the leather with thin super glue, you can work it like wood.

[lesken2011]

I have used rawhide, built up leather with and without superglue. When I use leather, I generally use the scrap leather I buy by the bag for 5 to 7 bucks. Unfortunately the tanning method for this type leather does not make it super glue friendly. That's when I started just building up layers of leather and sanding it to shape on the belt sander. I kinda like it better. It is not quite so hard making it grip better, at least for me.

[Pat B]

This is how I "handle" the situation.    This was on a 2" diameter, bendy handle pole bow I built last year for the TG bow trade. I use precut shoe sole leather(about 1/4" thick), cut and sand it to shape, soak it in warm water to soften it then glue it with TBIII to the handle area. Once it is dry I grind to a basic shape on the belt sander and saturate it with super glue. More shaping can be done if necessary then sanding smooth and add a handle wrap. I do this for tip overlays too.

[Pat B]

A rasp works well for this too...








Sorry I don't have a better pic of the finished handle

[Pat B]

I use bulbous handles and on most bows I fill out the back of the handle with this method too.

[Pat B]

TTT for those who may have missed this...

[osage outlaw]

Pat, where do you get that thick shoe leather?

[Pat B]

Clint, any shoe repair shop(if there are still any  ) will have them. If you have a saddle shop near you they will have heavy vegetable tanned "skirting" leather. I believe that is what these precut soles are made from. You can probably get scraps of the skirting leather for nothing or very little.