extending boss life

[NeilMac]

We've got a foam type boss and have 2 ratchet straps to secure it. This allows repacking without needing a banding tool. I'm not sure I'd know where to get one anyway. Makes it easier to adjust the compression as well. Cost about £9 each for 7 meterslong /50mmwide.

[cliveanne]

I have just "Repaired" 2 of my foam bosses (Ends to middle) & had fun & games re-strapping the damn things. It then occured to me use, ratchet straps.
I then thought "£££".... do it cheaper!!! This weekend I am going to buy some plywood 12" wide (the thickness of the boss), & about 90-100cm length, I will cut out a hand hole in each sheet to enable hadling, & screw the sheets to the sides of the boss. Thus keeping the cost down, keeping the boss square, also enabling easier sliding into the trailer when not needed
My next problem is "Where can I get replacement foam?" Or, should I go local (In my case) & get pre-cut & holed sheets from Merlin Bows...

[geoffretired]

The foam is called Plastazote. It can be bought from Hindleys but the price may rule out buying from them .I'm not sure.

[not dead yet]

Originally Posted by pyroarch57

I saw that in "The Essex Bowman" 2 years ago, a very good idea.
So if i`m not mistaken your name is John.

they also use this idea at the Tox, the targets are permanantly up

[ThePinkOne]

I use a stacked foam boss to shoot indoors at home, and when my arrows started going through too much, I modified the back:

1. Piece of carpet with woven back nailed to frame
2. Second pieces added- but a gap in between the carpet layers
3. Third piece of carpet pushed in
4. Stuff the remaining gap with the sort of batting used to pack fragile goods- it's heavier duty that soft-toy or duvet batting. Trick here is to get the stuffing quite firm without ripping off the carpet layers.
5. Put two layers of heavy-duty card packing case on the front.

This is up against an old lightweight straw pad with wood behind. I shoot the boss at 6m with a 50# Equalizer. Even my Navs are stopped before the piles get to the backing straw layer. OK, I know this sounds extreme but I was knocking holes in my wall! It has the added advantage of muffling the noise of impact somewhat. All reinforcement done with old bits and bobs lying around the house so easy and no outlay of cash.

P.

[RGrahamSmith]

Here's a method I'm trying at the moment.

Get a tin of cheap PVA adhesive (B&Q sell this) and an empty pop bottle. Put about 500ml of the adhesive in the bottle and a little washing up liquid (breaks down surface tension and allows for better absorption). Add about 1 litre of warm water. Shake (put the top on first, silly!) to dissolve the adhesive. On a dry, warm day, lay the straw target boss on the ground, face up, and pour/spread the adhesive all over it (probably paying most attention to the centre) Let it dry thoroughly.
As a refinement I might try next time - get some roughish material and put that over the boss first, so that it will also be bonded to the straw.....
The glue will help bind the straw together and prevent belling-out. I don't know just how much extra life you'll get out of the boss - I'll let you know in about 6 months!

Look forward to seeing more ideas.

Graham