Splice Longbow Billets Like A Pro

Splicing longbow billets is a challenging but rewarding process that requires precision and patience. The goal is to join two pieces of wood together to create a strong and functional longbow. The most common type of splice is the 'W' splice, which provides a large gluing surface area and ensures a secure joint. However, other types of splices, such as the Z splice and box-joint splice, can also be used. The process typically involves carefully cutting and shaping the wood, preparing the mating surfaces, applying glue, and clamping the pieces together until the glue sets. One of the main challenges is ensuring that the back surfaces of the billets align correctly, as they are rarely perfectly even. Proper preparation of the mating surfaces and the application of adequate pressure during clamping are critical to the success of the splice.

The importance of cutting billets to the right length

When splicing a longbow, it is crucial to cut billets to the right length to ensure a structurally sound bow that performs as intended. The length of the billets directly affects the overall length of the bow, with longer billets resulting in a longer bow and vice versa.

Cutting billets to the appropriate length is essential for achieving the desired bow length. For example, to create a 65-inch longbow, two 37-inch billets are required, with an additional 5 inches for the handle. This calculation ensures that the final product meets the desired specifications.

Precision in cutting the billets is also critical to the success of the splicing process. Accurate cuts are necessary to create a straight and functional bow. If the billets are not cut to the exact length, the resulting bow may be twisted or uneven, compromising its performance and aesthetics.

The length of the billets also impacts the gluing process. When joining the billets, the gluing area, or "glueline," should be sufficiently large to ensure a strong bond. Longer billets provide more surface area for gluing, increasing the overall strength of the splice.

Additionally, the length of the billets can influence the type of splice used. Certain types of splices, such as the "W-splice," require specific lengths to be effective. By cutting the billets to the right length, you can utilize the most suitable splice for your project.

In conclusion, cutting billets to the right length is of utmost importance when splicing a longbow. It ensures the desired bow length, facilitates a straight and functional bow, impacts the gluing process, and influences the choice of splice. Precise and careful cutting of billets is a critical step in creating a high-quality, well-performing longbow.

How to create a W-splice

To create a W-splice, you will need to follow these steps:

First, find two billets of wood that are slightly longer than half the length of your desired bow. For example, for a 65-inch longbow, you will need two 37-inch billets. The billets should be cut to form a perfect rectangle at one end, measuring 5 inches in length, thickness, and depth. This will be the handle of the bow. It is important to cut the rectangle accurately to avoid a twisted bow and make the splicing easier.

Next, mark the W-splice on the rectangles. The W-splice should be 5 inches in length, with the foot of one jag of the "W" about 5/8 inch (1.5 cm) in width, and the foot of the other jag about 1/3 inch (1 cm). Draw the W-splice on a sheet of paper, glue it to the backside of the rectangles, and cut it out using a handsaw or bandsaw. Ensure that you cut perfectly along the marks at a right angle.

Check the splice by fitting the billets together. Make any necessary corrections with a small file or sandpaper. Once you are satisfied with the fit, you can proceed to gluing. If you are using a dense wood like Osage, locust, or mulberry, pre-coat the glueline with a thin solution of hide-glue (water:glue = 4:1) several times before applying the proper glue.

Finally, glue the W-splice and leave the spliced billets to dry for at least two days.

The W-splice is considered the most secure type of splice for creating a longbow, and with careful measurements and execution, you can create a strong and functional bow.

How to glue billets together

Gluing billets together to create a longbow is a messy but rewarding process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to glue billets together:

Preparation

Firstly, you will need to decide on the type of glue to use. Epoxy resin is a popular choice for its superior bonding capabilities, but other options include Cascamite, a two-component boat glue, or even epoxy glue and wood glue. It is important to note that epoxy glue tends to drip and not stick to the surface as well as white wood glue, so you may need to use clamps or elastic bands to keep the billets in place while the glue dries.

Sanding and Cleaning

Before applying the glue, it is recommended to sand the splice surfaces to improve adhesion. Once sanded, wipe the surfaces clean with alcohol and allow them to dry.

Applying the Glue

Generously apply the glue to the splice surfaces of both billets. Clamp one billet firmly to a table and press the other billet into the splice at the required angle, ensuring it is firmly in place.

Filling Gaps

If there are any gaps in the splice, fill them with the remaining glue. You can then wrap a large elastic band around the splice and clamp it down with a C-clamp to hold the billets together while the glue dries.

Drying Time

The drying time will vary depending on the type of glue used and the temperature in your workspace. For epoxy glue, it is recommended to leave the glued billets for at least two days to ensure the glue has fully cured.

Additional Tips

When splicing billets, it is important to cut the billets to the correct length and work the handle as a perfect rectangle to avoid ending up with a twisted bow. Additionally, you can add a certain amount of reflex to the bow by glueing the splice accordingly.

By following these steps and allowing adequate drying time, you will be well on your way to creating a sturdy and functional longbow.

How to cut a Z-splice

To cut a Z-splice for a longbow billet, you will need to prepare the wood and cut the pieces to size. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Choose your wood: Select a suitable wood for your longbow, such as Osage, locust, or mulberry. Ensure the billets are straight and free of knots or defects.
• Cut the billets to length: Determine the desired length of your longbow and cut your billets accordingly. For a longer bow, you may need to splice in additional pieces to achieve the required length.
• Mark the splice location: Decide where you will be joining the billets together to form the Z-splice. This is typically in the handle area of the bow, where there are no tension or compression forces at work. Mark the location for the Z-splice on both billets.
• Create a template: Draw a Z-shape on a piece of paper, ensuring that the splice will result in a handle with the desired thickness, width, and length. Cut out the template and glue it to the marked areas on both billets.
• Cut the Z-splice: Using a hand saw, bandsaw, or similar tool, carefully cut along the template lines to create the Z-shape in both billets. Ensure that the cuts are straight and accurate to achieve a snug fit.
• Test the fit: Before gluing, test the fit of the Z-splice by joining the two billets together. Make any necessary adjustments with a small file or sandpaper to ensure a tight and precise fit.
• Prepare the wood: To improve adhesion, sand the splice surfaces and wipe them clean with alcohol. This will create a better bond when you apply the glue.
• Apply glue: Choose a suitable glue for wood, such as epoxy resin or Resintite glue. Generously apply the glue to the splice surfaces on both billets.
• Clamp and leave to dry: Clamp the two billets together at the desired angle and apply any necessary clamps or elastic bands to hold them in place. Leave the glued splice to dry for at least two days.

By following these steps, you can create a strong and secure Z-splice for your longbow billets. This technique allows you to join shorter pieces of wood to create a longer bow while maintaining the performance and functionality of a traditional longbow.

The importance of matching mating surfaces

When splicing billets to make a longbow, it is important to ensure that the mating surfaces of the two pieces of wood are properly prepared and matched. Mating surfaces refer to the areas of two parts that come into contact with each other. In the context of splicing billets, the mating surfaces are the areas of the wood that are joined together, usually with glue.

• Strength and Durability: The mating surfaces must fit together perfectly to create a strong and durable joint. If the surfaces are not properly matched, the joint may be weak and prone to failure. A smooth and even mating surface allows for better adhesion of the glue, resulting in a stronger bond.
• Accuracy: When the mating surfaces are accurately matched, it ensures that the spliced billets are straight and true. Any misalignment or unevenness in the mating surfaces can result in a twisted or crooked bow, affecting the accuracy of the arrows released from it.
• Aesthetic Appeal: While not directly impacting the performance of the longbow, matching mating surfaces contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the weapon. A clean and precise splice enhances the visual appeal of the bow, showcasing the craftsmanship involved in its creation.
• Safety: A properly spliced joint, achieved through matching mating surfaces, is crucial for the safety of the archer. A weak or mismatched joint can lead to sudden failures, causing the bow to break and potentially injure the user.
• Ease of Process: Preparing the mating surfaces appropriately, such as sanding or cleaning them, makes the gluing process easier. It ensures better adhesion of the glue and reduces the chances of gaps or excessive glue lines, resulting in a neater and more reliable joint.

In conclusion, taking the time to carefully prepare and match the mating surfaces when splicing billets is of utmost importance. It not only enhances the strength and durability of the longbow but also ensures accuracy, safety, and aesthetic appeal. Proper preparation of mating surfaces simplifies the gluing process and reduces the likelihood of failures or twists in the final product.

Frequently asked questions