Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: HatchA on May 04, 2011, 07:17:30 pm

Title: Limb edges
Post by: HatchA on May 04, 2011, 07:17:30 pm
When finishing a bow, how many guys here like to leave the edges of the limbs "fairly square"?  I'm not talking sharp-cornered but definitely not "rounded off" all along the length? 

I suppose I'm asking if leaving a bow with the definition of "flat bow" is ok to do, or is it looking for trouble?

I'll grab a pic or three and post 'em up in a sec.
Title: Re: Limb edges
Post by: bubby on May 04, 2011, 07:22:16 pm
if ya look at some of the old native bows they are rectangular in crossection, so as long as ya radius the belly like the back ya should be o.k., jmo, Bub
Title: Re: Limb edges
Post by: HatchA on May 04, 2011, 07:36:19 pm
if ya look at some of the old native bows they are rectangular in crossection, so as long as ya radius the belly like the back ya should be o.k., jmo, Bub

That's true, thanks Bub.

The pic's didn't turn out worth a crap and I took 'em with the best camera in the house (ironically - my phone!).  Suffice to say I ain't gonna try take more cos all I'm doing is annoying myself at this stage  :(

I'll likely leave the limbs as they are but narrow the tips some more.  well...  I'll at least shape them a bit.


or maybe not  :-\


oh the choices... ::)
Title: Re: Limb edges
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on May 04, 2011, 08:22:59 pm
I leave almost all mine squared off, but sanded smooth. I personally feel it adds to the life of the bow with the tension and compression spread out evenly. Just a preference of mine, especially with the white woods I tend to use most.
Title: Re: Limb edges
Post by: George Tsoukalas on May 04, 2011, 11:11:25 pm
I round the edges enough so that they will not lift a splinter. Rounding them puts much less stress on them. Jawge
Title: Re: Limb edges
Post by: straightarrow on May 05, 2011, 12:55:51 am
I also round them a bit but not overly round... I learned on one of my earlier bows that a splinter can lift. I take the edge off with a rasp...sand...then burnish

Jon
Title: Re: Limb edges
Post by: Gordon on May 05, 2011, 03:25:14 am
I don't care for the look of square edges. And sharp edges don't hold a finish as well as rounded.
Title: Re: Limb edges
Post by: HatchA on May 05, 2011, 12:53:51 pm
Thanks guys