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Just for the record

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Badger:
       I have heard several references to my mass method as being "high tec" or generated by some form of math. Just for the record the mass method was developed 100% by making bows and taking notes. For the last 10 years neary everyday several hours shop tie actually building and testing wood bows. Zero time figuring math models or computerizing. I just found that using demensions would not work as well for me as just finding out how much wood I had to work with and how much wood I needed for the design i was using. The mass formula in most cases gives conservative demensions that still require every bit of skill the bowyer can muster to pull off properly. It will also allow bow builders with shorter draws to build bows that will perform nearly as well as their longer drawing brothers. Nothing high tech about it, I just traded a tape measure for a scale. Steve

GregB:
Steve, I appreciate the amount of time and effort you've put into it. I think it is a good tool for those that want to use it to compare their finished bows to. Maybe if a bow comes in heavier then it should by your method, the bowyer can study the bow and ask himself the question where he might have had to much mass in certain area's such as the tips.

Not everyone is going to want to use your method, nothing wrong with that. Bows that come in much heavier then your method, doesn't mean that they're not a quality bow. Each of us are individuals, and have different levels of satisfaction. Your method makes me think...that's an accomplishment in itself! ;D

MattE:
Steve , you explained in writing what a bow maker has to do to get the right answer. Mass does dictate dimensions. The primitive peoples of the world knew this in their own way.I wouldn't worry about what others think.

Marc St Louis:
Steve
It's an excellent method to teach new bowyers how to make high performance bows, or experienced bowyers to.

Justin Snyder:
I LIKE IT!  Like others have said.  The theory has been in use for probably as long as bow making.  If you make a white wood bow you make it wider. An osage you make narrower.  You have provided the means for us to quit guessing on the width by calculating mass.  THANKS Justin

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