Main Discussion Area > Bows
Flat Bow / American Flat Bow questions ?
legend:
So for my own understanding , if I built a 64" flat bow with the first section of the limbs from the fades being parallel , what sort of length should that section be before it starts to taper to the tips ?
Pappy:
I usually go about 12 inches, sometimes mid limb. Pappy
legend:
Thanks Pappy , it kind of fits in with what Ive read before but just needed confirming , Ive heard midway , just past midway so what you say gives me a rough idea .
Pat B:
A real pyramid bow tapers only in width but not in thickness. It is difficult to build a pyramid bow with a stave because of the arched back so my understanding is a stave built pyramid bow would be a semi-pyramid bow. On the American longbows I've built the limbs are parallel out anywhere from 4" to 8" then tapering to the tips. A bow with parallel limbs most of the way out before tapering to the tips is considered an overbuilt bow. Any of these styles make good, durable bows and wood choice for me would determine which way to go.
We all find ways to build bows that work best for us. If it works for you then it is the best. ;D
Are you confusing the back of the bow for the belly. The back of the bow, the side that faces the target should consist of one continuous growth ring. That is where the strength of a wood bow is. The belly, the side that faces the archer can and should be tapered, from the handle to the tip. That is tillering, allowing the limbs to bend evenly and together as you draw the bow.
What wood will you be using for your bow? will it be a stave type selfbow, a board selfbow or a backed bow?
willie:
heres a link to a board bow build
its a prymid, but if you wanted to keep the limb width parrellel for a ways you just wouldnt cut the thickness so far up towards the handle
longer is better for a first bow. Have you made many board bows before?
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,35312.0.html
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