Is it possible to turn a d style bow into a stiff handled bow? I made a 64” hickory/jatoba bend through handle bow and would really like to beef up the handle area and add a cut in shelf. I cannot find any info, other than the obvious notion that slapping a piece of wood on the belly will cause it to pop off. I like the bow, but am interested in revamping it. Draws 55# at 26”

You could build handle up with cork. It would still bend but I've seen guys shape handles from layers of cork then wrap with leather. I've never used that combination of woods. It seems like at 64" you could shorten a inch or two and gain some draw weight and still comfortably reach that 26" draw with a bend through the handle bow. I'm thinking you would have trouble gluing on wood since it's already bending. Like you said it would probably pop off. You might get away with gluing on thin strips of wood in layers. I didn't notice what draw weight and length you started with, just what you were wanting to change it to

Bjrogg

Jeff Durnell does it so it can be done.

What Bjrogg said.

It is currently 55# at 26” bjrogg. I currently have a leather handle with leather rest. I’m just used to having a cut in shelf, and like the look a lot. I used to shoot off the knuckle but like my r/d longbow with cut in shelf a lot. The bow shoots good I just haven’t practiced without a cut in shelf in a couple years.

Fdp can you provide me with a link?

So instead of chancing cutting in a sight window/shelf why not just a wooden or leather shelf under the handle wrap? I never cut shelves in wood bows.

Here is what the handle looks like

If you add wood for a sight window,it won't change the center shot, unless you cut into the wood already there. I suspect if you are successful at stopping the handle from bending it might cause excessive bending at the fades. The limbs will have the same stiffness & you will be pulling it to the same point. The bend Has got to go somewhere. I haven't tried it just my thoughts.I would hate for you to break it. Just add a floppy rest. >>>>-----> ken

I guess it can be done but I'd think it would be easier to go from rigid to bendy than vice versa.More than glue though probably dowels and they probably pop eventually.I don't have any selfbows with cut outs so I don't know.

The only board bow I ever cut a shelf in blew after a thousand or so arrows right at the shelf and I thought I had it non working. Never again. I like to use the tip of an antler glued on.

Do you have a photo of that antler rest?

It wouldn’t show as it’s under leather, but it’s just a 1/2 inch or less tip of a shed antler with the flat(sawn end) glued to the bow. Just makes a bump for the arrow to ride on right above the hand. I cant, so don’t need much; more for consistent arrow placement than anything.

The handle will probably pop off. Better to start another. Leave this one alone and then you'll have another bow. :) Jawge

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