Repairing a limb

[NeilM]

I am putting this here, as Trad archers tend to do more making and mending, so, I have a question:

I have bought on spec and unseen (I know I know!!) a Marksman Forest Knight, I would estimate late 1970's vintage. The bottom limb has the first signs of delamination around the area of the recesses for the string.

I know that usual opinion is, 'tough it's dead', but I have access to some pretty hi-tech adhesives, and just wondered if a repair can be made.

Any thoughts or experiences?

P.s. Please don't flame me for buying unseen, I'm pretty sure it is transit damage, and the bow was cheap.

[phil_r_58]

Originally Posted by NeilM

I am putting this here, as Trad archers tend to do more making and mending, so, I have a question:

I have bought on spec and unseen (I know I know!!) a Marksman Forest Knight, I would estimate late 1970's vintage. The bottom limb has the first signs of delamination around the area of the recesses for the string.

I know that usual opinion is, 'tough it's dead', but I have access to some pretty hi-tech adhesives, and just wondered if a repair can be made.

Any thoughts or experiences?

P.s. Please don't flame me for buying unseen, I'm pretty sure it is transit damage, and the bow was cheap.

Do you have a photo or digram of what sort of de-lamination, I.E, on the edges, on the bend of the re-curve etc. I do have a friend that has fixed this sort of damage when such bows were new.

But generally, the prognosis is not good.

A good contact to ask would be Keith Gascoine, of K G Archery, google him for a contact. He was the designer and maker of these bows, as an employee of marksman in the 70s

[NeilM]

I don't have a photo, but the outer two layers are starting to separate into a V shape, just where the recess is in the back of the limb, just below and behind the string nock.

I know the prognosis is poor, but someone must have given it a go, especially with some of the modern adhesives.

[buzz lite beer]

If I where to have a bash at such a repair I would probably just use slow cure original Araldite Epoxy resin, Flex the limb to open the damage to the lamination's further, get the Epoxy as deep in the damaged area as possible, bind with cling film, then compress with a clamp with soft wood pads between clamp and limb, or you could just tightly lash over the repair with serving thread. leave it for at least double the recommended cure time, unclamp everything and clean off excess resin then very tentativly start drawing the bow, increasing the draw inch by inch checking at each increase of draw to ensure integrity of repair, or give it to someone you don't like to try it for you.

If you must diy it then please wear real eyeshields (not glasses type) and a be prepared to punch yourself in the mouth too (gumshield?)
Oh and post a picture of you doing the 'first draw'
Good luck 'rather you than me' as I had a limb break and I got a fragment stuck in the corner of my eye.

[NeilM]

or give it to someone you don't like to try it for you.

Hey Buzz, I like the way you think.

Hmmm, consensus is 'bad idea' then

Looks like I bought a wall hangar.

[Macbow]

I'd give it a go depending on poundage. Unless a bow is being used it's just a stick and not even worth hanging on a wall. I had a 45lb AFB delam where the limb laminations meet the riser - a real stress point. You could see right through the bow at full draw. Soaked the whole area in superglue and clamped it overnight. It lasted for well over a year and was shot regularly 3 fingers under despite the bow being tillered for a standard loose which put even more strain on the lower limb. When it did eventually go the bow did give some warning as it sounded very loud for a few shots. Binned it and bought a new one.

[Robin the Hood]

Originally Posted by NeilM

Hey Buzz, I like the way you think.

Hmmm, consensus is 'bad idea' then

Looks like I bought a wall hangar.

Neil...


Seeing that you have a sense of humour I thought: What if you sell draw tickets where you Guess the braking point....... No's 1-28....

By the way I have my first 64" Wildcat bow from 40 years ago hanging in the garage but it's worse than yours....Good Luck...

[NeilM]

OK, £5.00 a ticket (to cover medical expenses)

I have looked into some modern aerospace adhesives, and I will do some flexibility test on several this weekend.

I have my full face crash helmet at the ready

[Trunkles]

Don't forget to replace the helmet when it gets hit