Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: eorr on January 02, 2011, 03:08:17 pm
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I want to make a locust bow that shoots 20# @ 28". So my question is what do y'all think a good length, width, etc. would be for a long bow? And what about a recurve? I found a good thread with dimensions for a 55# @ 26" locust long bow (http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,2950.0.html), but being a newbie I wasn't sure how it would compare with dimensions for such a light draw weight. Thanks for any advice.
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You can't really build a wooden bow to weight by dimensions-every piece of wood is different. You have to start tillering and work it down until it's the weight you want. I would start with a piece about 62"-64" long, cahse a back ring, then lay out the width about 1 1/2" wide at the fades to 1/2" or less tips, and lay out the beginning thickness taper at a little over 1/2" at the fades tapering to around 1/4" at the tips. (For a stiff-handled bow,that is- if you want a bending handle, make it about the same length or longer and 1 1/8" -1 1/4" wide center to midlimbs tapering to 1/2" tips.) Get it bending good first, then reduce the weight to where you want it. My wife has a locust bow I made that she shoots a lot, it's around 28# @ 26", and those are close to the dimensions, leaving some extra thickness for tillering, of course.
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Ok, that gives me a good starting point. Thanks for the info.