Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Robnhood on September 09, 2015, 02:36:48 pm

Title: first time bow attempt
Post by: Robnhood on September 09, 2015, 02:36:48 pm

Hello I was recently given an white ash stave as a gift. I had watched my father build osage bows years ago and was wondering if anyone could give me some starting dimensions for a white ash flat bow design? The stave is 74 inches long. It looks to be wide enough for 2 bows. If I split it down middle each stave would be 3 1/2 inches wide. Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.
Rob

Title: Re: first time bow attempt
Post by: wizardgoat on September 09, 2015, 02:57:10 pm

What's your draw length and weight, that can change the design recommendations big time.
Either way, ash likes to be wide and/or long

Title: Re: first time bow attempt
Post by: Robnhood on September 09, 2015, 09:04:29 pm

My draw length is 27 inches. I would like the bow to pull around 50 lbs. give or take a few pounds at this draw length.  I was thinking a bow about 64 inches in length. Thanks for your time.
Rob

Title: Re: first time bow attempt
Post by: bowandarrow473 on September 09, 2015, 09:15:45 pm

Try a simple AFL flatbow that is 1 5/8 at the fades out to 10 inches before the tips and then tapers to 1/2 in or 3/8 inch tips. 4- 4.5 in handle and 1.5 or 2 in fades. Thickness tapering from .75 in at the handle to 5/8 in at the tips. Or mabye an Eastern Woodland style bow that is 1 3/8 in wide until 8 inches from the tips tapering to 1/2 in tips, same thickness taper as before plus mabye a 1/16 of an inch or so, let the handle area be a little thicker so you can tiller it last.

Title: Re: first time bow attempt
Post by: Selfbowman on September 09, 2015, 09:27:08 pm

I don't know Robin Hood. The Boyer's bible probably has that info. Or go with what's mentioned above. I am thinking wider at fade but I could be wrong. Defiantly longer than 64 in my oppinion. Closer to 70". Arvin

Title: Re: first time bow attempt
Post by: Hrothgar on September 09, 2015, 10:44:58 pm

If it were my first attempt I would probably over build it a little 68-70" long and 2" at the fades. Others will chime in, and check your books.

Title: Re: first time bow attempt
Post by: LittleBen on September 10, 2015, 10:42:12 am

Quote from: Hrothgar on September 09, 2015, 10:44:58 pm

If it were my first attempt I would probably over build it a little 68-70" long and 2" at the fades. Others will chime in, and check your books.

This would be a wise decision to overbuild since this will be your first attempt at building a bow.

Title: Re: first time bow attempt
Post by: Pat B on September 10, 2015, 10:50:20 am

I agree. Start out long and learn proper tillering. Once you get that you can build whatever style you want.

Title: Re: first time bow attempt
Post by: Robnhood on September 10, 2015, 04:49:24 pm

Thank You for your advice. I will over build to learn the fundamentals of building bows.
Rob