Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Burnsie on October 11, 2025, 07:45:53 pm

Title: Arrow Shelf Location
Post by: Burnsie on October 11, 2025, 07:45:53 pm

I've been making my arrow shelf about 1-1/4" above the center of the handle, it seems to work out OK.
Sometimes I just grip the handle in a position that "feels" good to me then strike a pencil line at the top of my hand and go from there.
Where do you veteran bowyers typically put your arrow shelf?

Title: Re: Arrow Shelf Location
Post by: sleek on October 11, 2025, 08:05:48 pm

I like to put the center of the bow directly between my ring and middle finger. that places the rest right at the top of my index finger. In my opinion, the longer the bow is, the less it makes any difference.

Title: Re: Arrow Shelf Location
Post by: Pat B on October 11, 2025, 08:11:58 pm

When I was learning to build selfbows all the books said to make a mark 1 1/4" above the center line and 2 3/4" below for a 4" handle. Now I make my bows symmetrically making the center of the handle the center of the bow. For the arrow pass I grip the handle with my middle finger on that center line and the arrow pass is at the top of my hand. I use the symmetrical bow design because for me it is easier to see proper tiller and I make the lower limb slightly stiffer than the upper.
 Either way works well but you will have to adjust the arrow nocking point slightly to get the best arrow flight.