Installing Compass

[jjnapp]

#3115

Hello –

I’m trying to install a compass in a new bow. Does anyone have any suggestions of small compasses that you can buy? I’ve seen the compasses in the 3-rivers archery catalog however they are plastic and any veneer or final coat I put on the bow seem to eat into them.

If anyone has any suggestions of how to best install a compass I would be grateful.

Thanks guys!

[Mark Turton]

#18155

Marbles used to make brass compasses.

[David Petersen]

#18353

I would not think you’d want to put any finish or veneer over a compass anyhow? If it’s mounted into the wood, you can use an auger bit to create a recess the right diameter and depth, then put finish on the exposed wood in the hole before gluing in the compass. If on glass veneer, just glue it on. IMHO, I have never thought that a compass mounted in a bow would be worth a darn in any serious “find yourself” situation and that the jarring from repeated shooting would mess up the needle and pivot. But I can’t speak from personal experience. Best luck, dp

[William Warren]

#19886

I installed one of the plastic ones from 3 rivers using the corresponding flat bit and a variable drill. Be sure to grind down the pilot tip so it can’t come out the other side. And cover the area with masking tape to minimize the possibility of chipping the finish. Go slow and check the depth by taking it for a dry run occasionally until you have the desired depth. Add a dab of epoxy to permanently seal it in place. Marbles still makes the brass ones if you want that type.

[William Warren]

#19897

David Petersen wrote: I would not think you’d want to put any finish or veneer over a compass anyhow? If it’s mounted into the wood, you can use an auger bit to create a recess the right diameter and depth, then put finish on the exposed wood in the hole before gluing in the compass. If on glass veneer, just glue it on. IMHO, I have never thought that a compass mounted in a bow would be worth a darn in any serious “find yourself” situation and that the jarring from repeated shooting would mess up the needle and pivot. But I can’t speak from personal experience. Best luck, dp

Dave,
I use the bow mounted compass to get a fix on the direction the animal went after the shot. Of course I could use my pocket compass but if I forget that I still have the one on my bow for a backup. Not made for recording precision nav co-ordinates but works in a pinch. After years of shooting mine still points north. Theres no pivot point, it floats in liquid! Always wondered if it would freeze in cold weather but so far not had that problem.
Duncan

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