Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => English Warbow => Topic started by: stuckinthemud on July 28, 2015, 06:31:22 pm
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Ok, stupid question time. Is there a maximum width for the handgrip of an elb style war/long bow?
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You are limited by what you can physically hold and what the arrow will flex round.
1 1/2 -1 3/4" would be about the max.
Del
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Thanks Del,
I've got hands like shovels and can grip a two-inch handle, but I was more concerned about whether an arrow would flex around such a wide bow.
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You can make them over 2". You just need a slightly weaker arrow. A lot of the really heavy white wood bows such as hazel or plum are 2" or over.
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Hi Wills
I see you've joined the Fruit and Nut society !
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Lack of "proper" wood Brian, that's all!
Got 13 staves of beautiful South coast yew seasoning however, so I'll be back to real timber soon enough ;)
I do like the smell of the fruit 'n' nut bows when they're being heat treated though...
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You wanna try Ash WillS, I hear good things. 8)
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Many character staves will cast the string to one side slightly despite your best efforts to correct it. You can use the side with a bias to it as the arrow past, thus reducing the amount the arrow has to paradox around. This will minimise problems with wide staves. On a historial note, Mary Rose bow X-13 has a max width of of 42mm so is quite wide and goes over the 3/8ths 'rule'. Perfect design for the fruit and nut society, of which I am a fully paid up member!