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Offline 65x55 swedis

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hickory questions
« on: May 06, 2011, 03:53:13 am »
i am thinking of making a hickory bow about 4' ntn and 65# i was curious if that might be to much for the wood to handle and maybe need to change woods or back it with bamboo to support it. what do you guys think
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Offline Pappy

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Re: hickory questions
« Reply #1 on: May 06, 2011, 07:59:49 am »
What draw length? Hickory is pretty tough. :)
   Pappy
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Offline cracker

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Re: hickory questions
« Reply #2 on: May 06, 2011, 09:47:25 am »
If you got good hickory you won't have to worry about breakage. Depending on you're average humidity string follow culd be the problem. Ronnie
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Offline Parnell

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Re: hickory questions
« Reply #3 on: May 06, 2011, 12:03:29 pm »
Heat treat it before tillering, give it a real good toast and let it sit for a couple days, then go!
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Offline 65x55 swedis

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Re: hickory questions
« Reply #4 on: May 06, 2011, 12:49:54 pm »
draw lenth about 25 to 27 inches so just plain hickory would would no need to back it?
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Offline JackCrafty

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Re: hickory questions
« Reply #5 on: May 06, 2011, 01:02:39 pm »
Make sure to start with really wide limbs.  No backing needed but you may need to recurve the tips a little.
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Offline Parnell

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Re: hickory questions
« Reply #6 on: May 06, 2011, 01:03:58 pm »
I've made several "board" bows from hickory.  If you've got a piece with fairly straight grain, it is remarkably tough.  I've made bows with pretty severe grain violations on the back that have held really nicely.  With as short as you are looking to go, I'd get good straight grain, though.  I'd stick with a shortened draw length.  27" sounds like an awful lot for a 48" bow, unbacked, even if it is hickory.  It'll help to minimize the set, also.  I bet 25 could go if you tiller it great!

Good luck.
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Offline PEARL DRUMS

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Re: hickory questions
« Reply #7 on: May 06, 2011, 01:54:11 pm »
I agree about recurving the tips some, the string angle will be quite severe. Gotta keep the string on her!
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Offline 65x55 swedis

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Re: hickory questions
« Reply #8 on: May 06, 2011, 06:25:22 pm »
ok then what if i lenghten the bow. how much would i need to lenghten it?
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Offline okie64

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Re: hickory questions
« Reply #9 on: May 06, 2011, 07:44:53 pm »
If its goin to bend through the handle I'd make it around 58". Stiff-handle around 62-68"
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Offline aznboi3644

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Re: hickory questions
« Reply #10 on: May 06, 2011, 08:50:35 pm »
at 48" it should be able to take the stress if wide enough and tillered well.

TBB p.61 has the 48" hickory drawing 57lb @ 28" and says it took little set.  Limbs where 2" wide and 1/4" thick.
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Offline George Tsoukalas

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Re: hickory questions
« Reply #11 on: May 06, 2011, 10:13:36 pm »
A bow drawn more than half its length is in immediate or eventual jeopardy. I would not draw it more than 22" if it bends in the handle and is backed but then again I've bounced a few staves off my head in 20+ years of making bows so I'm cautious. Jawge
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Offline Kegan

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Re: hickory questions
« Reply #12 on: May 07, 2011, 04:34:13 pm »
Quote from: 65x55 swedis on May 06, 2011, 06:25:22 pm
ok then what if i lenghten the bow. how much would i need to lenghten it?

For a D bow twice the draw length is a good start, but a little more never hurt. If you're going for 65#, start around 62", and then you can easily cut the bow down later for more draw weight. Plus, you wouldn't have to recurve it, which would add more time and trouble to the whole process (IMO).
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Offline 65x55 swedis

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Re: hickory questions
« Reply #13 on: May 07, 2011, 09:38:39 pm »
the reason it has to be short is it is for a tree stand so i am trying to stay as small as possible
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Offline Pat B

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Re: hickory questions
« Reply #14 on: May 08, 2011, 02:07:19 am »
As long as you are aware of the surroundings while in your treestand and prune accordingly you don't have to go that short. I've hunted out of a treestand with a 68" bow with no difficulties.
 An old archery addage..."a bow fully drawn is 9/10th broken"!
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