need info on paddle bows

[Stiks-N-Strings]

What's the best wood to use? can I build one for a 28" draw or are these primarily short draw bows and last but not least could I get some basic dimensions on handles and limb width from fade to tip.

 Thanks guys, Stiks

[aaron]

aaaahhhh i just typed a long response and lost it!
paddle bow woods- yew (majority) juniper ash, vinemaple
length about 35-45 inches
sinew backed
short draw
short static recurves
dimentions of a hupa 37 inch bow: width at handle- 1 11/16. width at midlimb 2 5/32. width at nock 11/16. thickness at midlimb 5/16. thickkness at nock 3/8.
could you get 28inches? maybe, but why not learn short draw shooting?
pictures are of a S.Allely bow and info is from his chapter in TBB1- hope he doesn't mind!
good luck

[bigcountry]

I really want to make one.  But I am going to stretch it out to 50" I think.

[aaron]

yeah, that's kinda what i did- made one about 57 inches (or more?). this is similar to an unbacked 54 inch bow from allely's article in trad. bowyers bible 1 (tbb1). It's sinew backed gary oak .
yes, i painted my house that color on purpose.

[Stiks-N-Strings]

Arron I think I would be fine learning short draw.

 Thanks for the info, I have the TBB's and didn't even think to look there first but I will check it out. I really like the different styles of primitive bows and from what I gather alot of them are shrt draw shooters. It would make for a good snap shot learning short draw 

[adb]

ElDestructo makes paddle bows as well.

[Lee Slikkers]

Cool stuff!  I was just to this chapter in my TBB1 today at lunch as really enjoyed his story of finding that rock blind while chasing Mulies...

I have some decent Sassafras I may try one of these with but I'll be adding rawhide for backing.

Good luck with the build Stix

[ohma2]

heres a 54" i draw it to 27" sinew backwd osage.

[ohma2]

sticks this one is 2 1/4" down to 1/2" then sinew wrapped pin nocks. the handle has a slight swell and then i padded it with cork.

[Lee Slikkers]

I know I didn't start this thread but I have to comment on that Paddle bow...what is the backing or is that painted?  The gloss and finish on that bow is incredible.

Very nice work.

[Bullitt]

O2, that is a Beauty, for sure! Tiller is sweet! What is the weight at your draw, sir?

Ishi's bow, as other western natives, along with the eskimos, used the paddle style bow!

Wonder why?

[ohma2]

lee,bullitt. the bow is osage it was dyed with orange and oxblood dye sinewed and oversprayed through screen with grey primer finished with tru oil.the bow pulls 55#@27".

[Lee Slikkers]

Dang, new age meets old school...grey primer through a screen on Osage. 

[Stiks-N-Strings]

Lee you just ask anything you want on any of my post bud. You may think of a question I don't.

 Thanks for all the info guys. I think I may build on this summer sometime. I gotta get some other irons out of the fire first. Just doing my research for when the time comes.

 does anyone know of any good books besides TBB I can get about true primitive bows. I'm sure there are several I just don't know what they are.

 Stiks

[juniper junkie]

O2, that is a Beauty, for sure! Tiller is sweet! What is the weight at your draw, sir?

Ishi's bow, as other western natives, along with the eskimos, used the paddle style bow!

Wonder why?

the main reason for the wide flat limbs is to increase the surface area for the stresses of compression, thus they couild make shorter bows for thier style of hunting. this also enabled them to use less than perfect bow woods when needed. this also created a greater platform to adhere the sinew to. this style of bow is amazingly quick, I have made a few and am amazed at thier speed.