Does anyone know if limb veneers play any part in the performance of the limbs or are they just for looks. On my next bow I am considering getting clear glass or veneers. Next question is it customary to put clear glass over limb veneers? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, James

Red cars are faster.

My thoughts are, they're just for looks. Generally, attractive veneers are used under clear glass to cover UNattractive core woods that might be better performers, more stable, cheaper, etc. While using veneers means two extra glue joints that run the length of the bow, I think that's inconsequential as far as speed or feel is concerned.

That said, while I have various beautiful veneers here, I rarely use them because I go to lengths to ensure I have attractive and good performing core woods on hand for use under clear glass.

Limb veneers are part of the core, therefore the do affect limb performance, but the effect would be at the margin. For instance the veneers are often sturdier wood than the core woods which depending on what role the glass plays in the stack can mean that they either stiffen the limb by increasing core longi. stiffness, or making the core deal more effectively with compression. But at the same time they may add weight and glue line weight.

While it is rarely the use to which they are put, the use of more veneers can either allow more effective core shaping as in building in pre-load, or structure as in the ACS.

Personal hate is when they are used to make swirly patterns that make it clear that the core is not really part of the limb but just wood wallpaper. One can only hope when that is done that the design is actually in that direction.

Putting veneer on the outside is probably going to constitute parasitic weight, like snakeskin. Again a marginal effect.

I like to use "pretty" veneers..but I just got some medium brown glass that should have a nice classic look.. I am thinking about putting these veneers on back of limbs and using black glass on belly side. It has been said that colored glass limbs are "faster" than clear with veneers.. I don't know, I like both.

The veneers will be under clear glass on back side of limbs..

The veneers add to the total stack as stated above. That's the difference that they make.

If you are considering using veneers, check out B&B rare woods, they have anything you could want and their prices cannot be beat.

James

My next custom will have black glass or carbon on back and a veneer with clear glass over it on the belly. That is I hope for some preformance enhancement and a pretty bow. I have asked for the core and veneer to be bamboo. I am thinking of having it stained the same color as my flamed bamboo fly rods. Speed, I have been told is not as important as how well the bow fits your hand and I agree to a point. i am becoming a believer that design has more to do with the bows performance than materials used. Agian to a point. Besides, veneers are measured in thousands of an inch, weight is not that big of an issue.

Thanks everyone I appreciate the input. I am new to archery and just trying to learn.

Thanks JamesV but I am not a bowyer only a novice archer. Just trying to understand better how things work in a bow before I order a new one. James

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