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Another Lurker comes out of the woodwork
Bobby:
Another Lurker here,
I finally started my first bow this week. Yesterday I got the bow shaped out. It's 74" inches long, I know its long but I need at least a 31" draw, and I heard that a longer bow is more forgiving for mistakes. The limbs are 1 1/2" at the handles to mid limb then I tapered them to 3/4 wide at the tips. My question is how thick should the limbs be. Right now they are a little over 3/4" thick. I was thinking about roughing them in at 3/4 and fadding it to 3/8 at the tips. Does this sound about right? I know I might not be using the right terms but I this is my first attempt. Oh and the bow is Bois d arc. I know this is not a good wood to start with, but where I live at in Texas all there is Bois d arc, Cedar and Locust, I don't think it is Black Locust it looks like 2/3 of the trunk is pulp and the center 1/3 is heart wood. It looks like it would take a massive tree to get any staves out of it.
Thanks in advance, Lurking for the past few weeks I have gathered the motivation to start this project.
BJ
Texas
Pat B:
First of all, osage is an excellant starter bow wood. For most folks it is not readily available and too expensive as a starter wood. For you, that's not the case so go for it.
Your bow is a bit long but will work out fine for you. If you come out light you can shorten it to increase the final weight.
As far as thickness goes, I will never recommend a thickness for a finished bow because each wood will be differant even from the same tree. As part of the learning process you first get your limbs bending evenly and together. Once you've achieved that you reduce the thickness, evenly, until you get the weight at your draw. There is nothing quick about making bows. Take your time, concentrate on the task at hand and get-R-done! Pat
Badger:
Bobby, as Pat says, making wood bow is not something you do by demensions, You simply remove wood in small increments adjusting the bend ( tillering) as you go. If you are not familiar with the procees you may consider starting on a red oak board just for a little practice. Good osage is pretty valuable stuff. Also, let us know your draw weight you are after and if you have a digital camera we can assist you in the tillering process. Steve
DanaM:
Also you should but the Traditional Bowyers Bible series, at least get volume one
I would also recommend a subscription to Primitive Archer magazine ;D
You can also post pictures and folks will help ya out.
Good luck and keep us informed.
DanaM
Justin Snyder:
I think osage is a great beginner wood. The durability and strength that makes it so valuable makes it a little more forgiving. You must be a tall bugger if you want a draw at least 31". Justin
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