From: Kurt B
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Date: 08-Aug-19 |
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I am thinking about attempting a self bow. I have some Hop Hornbeam staves so that will be first attempt. I have a 31" draw so tips and suggestions would be appreciated.
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From: Will tell
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Date: 08-Aug-19 |
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I'm sure no expert on self bows but you can make a self bow for any kind of shooting or draw length. The different woods perform differently and also the style of the bow, length, and width makes a difference. For a longer draw you would sure make a self bow longer. I have a short draw and a 62" bow is perfect for me. A lot of shooters but not all have a shorter draw length shooting self bows. I tiller mine for my short draw and you can tiller them for a longer draw.
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From: PEARL DRUMS
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Date: 08-Aug-19 |
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Make it 72" ntn and 2" wide at the fades until mid limb, then straight taper to 1/2" wide tips.
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From: Dkincaid
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Date: 08-Aug-19 |
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I use Osage and don’t go below 70” for mine built like pearl drums said though I go about 1.5 at the fades
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From: Bjrogg
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Date: 08-Aug-19 |
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Like Pearl said . You could get away with shorter with bend through handle. We usually go at least double the draw length plus any area of handle that's not bending . Post pictures as you go.
Bjrogg
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From: Phil
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Date: 08-Aug-19 |
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Kurt ... how about an English long bow ??? go on .. you know you want to !!
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From: papadeerhtr
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Date: 08-Aug-19 |
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I absolutely don't have anywhere near the experience of pearl drums and admire his work. I have made 3 now out of hickory and all mine have been 68in I to draw 31 and they all 3 have few hundred shots thru them so far so good. Probably be much better off to listen to Pearl!
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From: PEARL DRUMS
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Date: 08-Aug-19 |
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Healthy hickory is just plain mean bow wood, it'll take whatever you give it. HHB is less elastic and needs more length and/or width to keep it healthy. Keep in mind adjusting width can also allow some adjustment to the bows length.
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From: PEARL DRUMS
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Date: 08-Aug-19 |
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Here is the formula I and many other use to figure bow length, then adjust width based off the species used.
Draw length x 2 I like a 4.5" grip, but you can use any length you prefer. I like long fades and generally use 2.5-3" per fade, some use strictly 1.5-2" fades. Again, personal preference.
So if I were building, say, an HHB bow for myself Id use the following numbers.
28" x 2 = 56" + 4.5" grip + 3" fades x 2 = 66.5" ntn length.
Another example with varying grip/fade lengths:
28" x 2 = 56" + 4" grip + 1.5" fades x 2 = 63" ntn
That's how easy it is to adjust a bows length up and down and yet still maintain the same length of working limb.
Keep it simple and have fun.
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From: Phil
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Date: 08-Aug-19 |
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Excellent information .. thank you Pearl Drums
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From: George Tsoukalas
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Date: 08-Aug-19 |
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Kurt, is that 31" draw with a recurve or longbow? Jawge
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From: Kurt B
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Date: 08-Aug-19 |
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Thanks to all who have responded so far. This is great info and should help a bunch. I have built 20 plus laminated bows but wanted to try something different. I draw 31 with my hybrid longbow George.
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From: George Tsoukalas
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Date: 08-Aug-19 |
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Ok. Kurt. I would make it 72-74" long and 1 7/8" wide out to mid limn tapering to 1/2" nocks. You could make the handle area 4" with 2" fades. I like handles that are 1.25" wide and 1.5" thick.
If you dispense with the non bending handle and let it bend you can shorten the length to 68" ntn.
Of course, all of this is predicated on the fact the stave is in good shape with no knots, etc.
Here is my site for more.
http://traditionalarchery101.com
Jawge
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From: George Tsoukalas
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Date: 08-Aug-19 |
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BTW most self bowyers measure draw to the back of the handle. Don't be surprised if your draw shortens a little with a wooden bow.
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