Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => English Warbow => Topic started by: dylanholderman on November 05, 2019, 09:23:17 am
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hey guys. i'm thinking about working myself up to warbows, thinking of making a bow in the 70-90# range as my next step up, i have everything below that covered.
so how long would you recommend for a ELB style bow pulling 70-90# at 30'' draw?
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I'd say 72-76" The advantage of going long is you can always cut off an couple of inches to gain weight if needed and it will also be a tad more forgiving.
Less than 72" is going to be likely to take some set, but may be a tad faster.
I'd start at 76" with an expectation of ending up at 74"
Del
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I'd glue up at 74 for a 73 ntn bow.
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What Del said was spot on but wood choice will change that a bit as well. But most woods will do fine at that weight with 72'76" for draw length up to 32".
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thanks guys ;D
i went out and dug through my stash real quick tonight and here's what i have to work with.
red elm 76''~ with a side bend that needs to be dealt with.
(https://i.imgur.com/iohSu4T.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9LFRO4t.jpg)
black walnut 76'' little bit of prop twist otherwise pretty clean.( i had actually started this one a couple weeks ago when i was sick lol)
(https://i.imgur.com/872Egkx.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/QBJrTr6.jpg)
and two osage 80'' the skinny knarly one is actually the belly split off of the larger stave.
(https://i.imgur.com/S856xBF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/T4O6lJo.jpg)
i'm leaning towards the walnut and then the elm, not sure how the walnut will do with a ELB design or the weight i'm shooting for but worst case (--)
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The Elm will do it, but I'd heat treat the belly.
I think Osage will do it without breakin' a sweat, and could prob go an inch or two shorter ;D
I have no experience with the Walnut :o
Del
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Red Elm is pretty much at the bottom of the list for bow woods. walnut is not much better if not worse. If I went with the elm I would rough it out at about 76" and 1 3/8 wide for a 70# bow.
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Thanks Steve I’ll rough out the elm and the walnut to the same length/width dimensions, it should be interesting to see what they are willing to give me.
What width would you recommend for the Osage, 1 1/8-1 1/4?
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Heat treating the elm will move it up the list for ya. But yeah untreated elm bends like wet clay in a long bow design. I've seen walnut warbows before should be doable with a slightly relaxed cross section. Osage will make a warbow with a large splinter so I'd say you are set there.
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It sounds like there is a different between Red Elm and English Elm... my experience is only with English Elm.
Del
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It sounds like there is a different between Red Elm and English Elm... my experience is only with English Elm.
Del
Red elm is used a a laminate in glass bows because it is attractive and very light weight. Not much good as a stand alone bow wood. It is very fast wood though if it doesn't take set or chrysal. Same with Walnut, I have made several backed walnut bows. 1 1/4 wide 72 to 74" long should be good for 90#
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While I have you guys attention what are your thoughts on deer antler for the nocks? I have cow horn so I can build “proper” ones but I think the antler would look good on the Osage if it can handle the weight.
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I'd say deer antler is probably even a hair stronger than cow horn. I have it on a 128# @ 31" long bow with no issues. Just watch not cutting into the spongy bone, it has a tendency to split there.
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Cool ;D
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i started cutting into one of my cow horns and i was surprised at how much of the tip is solid.
the entire first 6'' that i cut completely solid! looks like there is still more solid horn too, is this amount normal or did i luck out with a good pair? :D
(https://i.imgur.com/22YSKLS.jpg)
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I guess it depends on the breed of cattle they come from but in my experience they start being hollow after2-3 inches. So I'd say very lucky.