Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: ricktrojanowski on March 17, 2011, 12:07:01 am
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I'm in the process of making an elm flatbow. It is 60 1/2" (T toT) right now with a slightly bending handle. It's the first time I have worked with elm, and really missed the draw weight. :-[. I'm in need of 10-12 pounds. I'm making it for a 27" draw length. I think I have enough length to pike it with out it getting too short. Is there a rule of thumb for how many inches per limb cut off adds how much weight? Also planning on reflexing and tempering the belly.
Thanks for any advice
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I don't know the rule of thumb but everytime I say to myself, "ya, I can go around 2 inches, maybe 2 and a half..." that I end up with way too much weight. I would go a little at a time. Maybe and inch and a half at a time. That would probably do it.
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Rick, depending on how much mass you have in your tips right now. I would start with an inch off each end and see what happens.
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Im sure it is different with every bow but on the ones I have done it on I usually get about 7 pounds by taking 1 inch off each end. I think the shorter you go though this will increase. If it where mine I would go 1 1/4" off each end.
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Before you cut the tips off just add temperary string grooves just below the original ones and test the weight. If not enough cut a few more just below those. ;)
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Start another is my advice. You are already pushing it on the length (59 in ntn) for a 27 in draw. You'd have to cut off around 4 inches to get 10 # or less. Jawge
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Well now I see why I was ending up with too much weight, ;D
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Thanks for the help so far.
George I think I'll cut it, what do I have to lose at this point. It will be a good experiment anyway, I'll just wear goggles when I draw it at first. ;D
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Rick are you sure it is good and dry,I am working on one now also[well kind of working on it]
and when I floor tilleredit it seemed pretty week.I was talking to Tim and he said he had the same thing,so I put it in the hot box for a week and man did it pick up the weight and much springer,it had been cut/spilt and in the shed for over a year.Just a thought before you cut if off. :)
Pappy
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I have found the rule in the TBB to hold true.
For every 1% you cut off, you gain around 5%. So, its not cut and dry. I made an excel sheet starting at my length now, and going down in 1% increments, and raising my poundage by 5%.
It works and is pretty accurate.
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You said you were tempering the belly right? Before you cut any of the length off try to temper the belly first as that also adds weight.. I bet you could get all of 10-12 lbs out of a good, deep tempering without even having to pike. Just remember to give it 4-7 days to re-hydrate before you bend it again.. Good luck Rick!
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also flipping the tips a little will help add a few lbs as well as decreasing stack. :) I would try tempering and flipping the tips a little before I would shorten it any.
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If the stave is," for sure dry"; Heat treat and flip the tips. I would'nt pike it till I tried this. JMHO God Bless
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Thanks for the help everybody. I appreciate the advice. I'm sure its good and dry. Its been roughed and inside for about a year. I took a bit of a break ;D I threw it in the hotbox just to be sure though.
Josh and Pete, I'll take your advice and temper and flip the tips. I was going for a flatbow, but maybe a modified Cayuga replica instead.