Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Apex Predator on June 21, 2008, 11:23:41 am

Title: Bend in the handle bows?
Post by: Apex Predator on June 21, 2008, 11:23:41 am
I was thinking of building my next bow in the bend in the handle design.  Maybe 64" NTN and around 55@27.  Bamboo or hickory backed ipe of an inch or so in width.  Do these designs exhibit more hand shock?  Any suggestions? Thanks.
Title: Re: Bend in the handle bows?
Post by: radius on June 21, 2008, 11:34:19 am
you'd think they might have more handshock, wouldn't you, with the handle sharing the work...i have built all stiff-handled bows, so i can't help you there, but i know what it's like when one breaks and you want to try something completely different...

that hill bow:  do you think it was the cypress wood or the depth of the limb that did it in?
Title: Re: Bend in the handle bows?
Post by: Apex Predator on June 21, 2008, 11:49:40 am
I'm pretty sure it was the cypress.  It was extremely light in weight.  More so than cedar. 
Title: Re: Bend in the handle bows?
Post by: Badger on June 21, 2008, 12:11:14 pm
  Apex, a bend in the handle bow can have horrible handshock but doesn't neccessarily have to have any more than a stiff handled bow. Lately I have been really studying the handshock issues more from a performance angle. The vibration is pretty costly in performance. If you keep that bow proportionate, not too long say about 60" or so and a slightly elyptical tiller it may not have any shock. Steve
Title: Re: Bend in the handle bows?
Post by: Pat B on June 21, 2008, 12:16:33 pm
I have been quite surprised with the few Cherokee style bendy handled bows I have built that they have very little shock to them. No more than any of my bows. The Cherokee style has heavier limb tips than I usually make but shoot surprisingly smooth. With thinner tips(less mass weight) and a little kick in the tips you should have a sweet shooting little bendy handle bow.     Pat
Title: Re: Bend in the handle bows?
Post by: richpierce on June 21, 2008, 12:17:42 pm
I've only made about 10 bows but my bend in the handle bows don't exhibit much handshock if tillered well.
Title: Re: Bend in the handle bows?
Post by: radius on June 21, 2008, 12:18:33 pm
also, people say that with less mass in the tips, handshock is reduced...but my holmegaard has no shock to it at all...it's all punch!
Title: Re: Bend in the handle bows?
Post by: Kegan on June 21, 2008, 04:12:06 pm
I've grown fond of D bows because of the ease in construction. They don't have any more handshock than a stiff handled bow, and if it does for some reason, just glue a little leatehr onto the grip area before you attach the grip (rubber insoles work too).

Making them shorter (66" or less) or out of lighter wood eliminates this need though. That's why you could make a Native style bow with really wide, heavy tips, but at 56" long, it won't kick at all.
Title: Re: Bend in the handle bows?
Post by: ricktrojanowski on June 22, 2008, 06:47:41 am
I thought the same thing about hand shock with bendy handle bows. I've only made one it was vine maple that was about 58" it has virtually no shock.  Actually less than some of my earlier stiff handle bows.  I think the key is in the tiller.  If tillered poorly it will be a shocker.
Title: Re: Bend in the handle bows?
Post by: bigcountry on June 22, 2008, 09:55:31 am
I think the more natural reflex the bow has, the more handshock.   Alot of the indian bows had string follow which I bet eliminated alot of that shock.
Title: Re: Bend in the handle bows?
Post by: Apex Predator on June 22, 2008, 10:06:06 am
Anyone have a photo of the tiller I should be striving for?
Title: Re: Bend in the handle bows?
Post by: Pat B on June 22, 2008, 11:25:43 am
The tiller would depend on the profile of the bow. Basically you want a circular or slightly elliptical tiller.
    Pat
Title: Re: Bend in the handle bows?
Post by: JackCrafty on June 22, 2008, 11:35:40 am
So far, my bows made from stiff wood (like ipe & hophornbeam) have less hand shock than my bows made from low stiffness wood (like juniper & elm).  I've made close to 50 bows now and 90% have bendy handles....and here seems to be a relationship between "vibration" and wood type (among other things).  Just my personal observation.

The ipe/bamboo combination is becoming extremely popular....it's a good choice for any type of bow.

There are some very good threads here on the causes of hand shock and TBB covers it pretty well too.  I'd read up on these before starting your bow.  ;D
Title: Re: Bend in the handle bows?
Post by: El Destructo on June 22, 2008, 02:05:48 pm
                                        This is the Tiller I shoot for in My Style of D Bow..........

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Bend in the handle bows?
Post by: 330bull on June 22, 2008, 08:49:30 pm
Follow that pattern and you will be very, very happy.  That tiller is perfect!!!  Good luck!
Title: Re: Bend in the handle bows?
Post by: radius on June 23, 2008, 12:22:53 am
E.D.

is that a  :o board stave???
Title: Re: Bend in the handle bows?
Post by: El Destructo on June 23, 2008, 04:21:00 am
E.D.

is that a  :o board stave???
                           
                                                                        SCOTT
                              SHHHH!!!!!!! Don't let anyone know that I would stoop as low as using Lumber!!!
                      The bottom Picture is a Sycamore Board...the Top is a Shagbark Sliver I just could not toss!!!
                                                              How's The Weather???
                                                                        >:D ::) :o
Title: Re: Bend in the handle bows?
Post by: radius on June 23, 2008, 04:39:05 am
Mike,

the weather is good, both here and in washington state...the girl is great, weird like you said, but cool and fun...