[Archers] PVC Pipe Bows

[John Atkins]

I would add to the question of allowing PVC bows on the range that as
these are "experimental" bows they would fall into the same category as
atlatl.  If the marshal in charge of the range is not comfortable having
atlatl on their range, there is no atlatl.  Same should apply with these
bows.  

In my first job out of college I lived with PVC.  I ran a marine aqua
culture lab for San Diego State University and 80% of my day was
plumbing PVC piping.  That said, I feel fairly conversant on the
properties, pro and con, of PVC.  New, it is pretty strong.  However
after exposure to sunlight or too much heat it becomes very brittle and
will break if a person simply steps on it.  As these bows are made by
heating the pipe to form the bow I would be very concerned about how hot
the PVC got in the bow's making.  As was mentioned in this discussion,
if we also allow the bow limbs to be covered to present a more period
look to the bows, how would we know if the PVC had been over heated in
the making process?  (When over heated PVC turns various shades of
brown.)

At this point, I'm leaning in the direction of not allowing them.  When
we consider that a very usable, all wood, highly period looking bow can
be had on-line for about $40 up, it seems they are a better alternative
to an inexpensive starter bow over the PVC models.

My two fletchings worth,
cog

-----Original Message-----
From: archers-bounces at seahorse.atlantia.sca.org
[mailto:archers-bounces at seahorse.atlantia.sca.org] On Behalf Of Janyn
Fletcher
Sent: Sunday, September 16, 2012 10:45 AM
To: 'Alexandratos, Jerry (NIH/NCI) [E]'
Cc: archers at seahorse.atlantia.sca.org
Subject: Re: [Archers] PVC Pipe Bows


Jerry, either I wasn't clear or you misunderstood my comment. What I
meant by "fiberglass bow" was a rod bow made from fiberglass rods. I
think that is what I posted? Those were not intentionally made to be
bows but many of us have seen them. I agree with your comments and want
to point out to all of our marshals that safety is our first concern,
period! I don't want to just shoot down issues by saying no immediately.
This is where you will hear me preach that I expect you all to use your
best judgments and common sense. If we start seeing issues I would have
no problem banning them immediately. Jerry I understand you might be a
newer marshal but I know there are plenty of experienced marshals like
myself out there as well. You will be one of them in no time for sure.
If you are alone and you come across an issue you think is unsafe, then
call it. I will tell you without waiver I will back everyone of my
marshals when they rule on the side of safety! I can't stress that
enough. What I don't want to happen is Marshals running shooters off
because they themselves didn't understand our rules or were unsure of
them
(different subject all together, sorry... :)   )

So hope this helps. What you described about the PVC bow also holds true
for almost every bow you see. None of us know when a bow is going to
fail unless there are some very obviously signs. I have been shooting
archery for 37 years now and I can tell you that most I have seen fail
were complete surprises and there were even a few that were almost brand
new.

In Service,

Janyn