Slats of bamboo are often too thin for needed self-bow draw weight, even if doubled at the grip per the bows of Thailand. So tie a sister bow on top. If shorter than the main bow outer limb weight is kept low, tiller shape is more elliptical, and draw weight nearly doubles. Let a small space separate the two limbs, to prevent friction. Nocks near each tip of the upper bow keep the bindings there from slipping off.

Tim, can we see a side profile

Simple simple. Like I always say. No controversy here. Most will agree.

Here's a side view... is there any way to post more than one photo at a time?

So they make a slapping sound hitting each other?

Do they make a noise at the shot

It's silent.The limbs never touch. The grips are separated by a spacer, the tips cinched in no closer than a 1/4" or so, midlimbs following the arc of the main limb. This needed anyway, to eliminate friction. Don't know why the Penobscots didn't do it this way; it's easier and I think more efficient, argument welcomed though.

One more: 46", 29lb at 21", 8-ounces. No string follow. Quite snappy. In a jam, with nothing but thin bamboo to work with I guess a three-level 60" version's longer draw and 40lb or so would be a decent hunting tool. No more unlikely than Inuit cable-backed driftwood bows.

Much like a panda bow but a lot better looking.

Why not put the shorter one on the inside?

I believe we call them leaf springs.

I think Tim said because on the belly would add too much friction between them. If I understand that correctly

So the bow on the back is just secured to the limb rather than being connected to the string notches on the outboard limb like the representations of the Penobscot show ?

FDP,

It's secured to the back but not allowed to touch the back, this to prevent friction. A thin spacer is placed between the two at mid-grip, the top bow's tip bindings allowing 1/4" or so space. It's good to widen just the last inch of the top bow's nocks a touch wider than the inner limb at that point, to prevent the bindings slipping off. There is no advantage to this setup other that increasing draw weight of either too-weak or too-thin bamboo slats or wood.

The belly of both bows is outer surface of the bamboo, this yielding zero string follow, for an exceptionally speedy bow for it's size and weight.

Thank you Tim.

Very interesting Tim. What does that look like with a ten inch handle??? Seriously that’s making me think about performance. Arvin

Love these threads.. Thanks for posting again Tim..

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