Handles for selfbows

[king3933]

When making a handle for a selfbow made out of a board is there a certain pattern to go by and rules of thumb to use as a guide? I never seem to get them to look like they due on other bows. They fit my hand and feel good but the general shape seems to be different then say on a Hill bow. Any advice would be of great help also backing with dry wall tape does this help cast in any way or just a breaking preventive? Also is there a certain type of dry wall tape to use or just any kind will due?

God Bless:
Gary

[Pat B]

I personally wouldn't use drywall tape, but thats just me. Lots of other backing will work just as well. A simple backing like drywall tape, brown paper bag or linen are primarily for insurance reasons and not to add performance. Sinew, bamboo or hickory will add performance to a self bow.
   I prefer the Torges type bulbous handles for self bows.     Pat

[Justin Snyder]

The only rule of thumb for me is you have to like it.  If it is comfortable to you then don't worry about it.  There are lots of different styles of handle.  You are making the bow to make yourself happy. So make the handle that makes yourself happy.  Justin

[Coo-wah-chobee]

       ........................... I like "bendy handle", meanin' no handle, usually no grip wrap either..............bob

[NOMADIC PIRATE]

Bob, you cave man


Of all the backing out there, drywall tape ??

[david w.]

im doing my very first bow and i backed it with drywall tape. i hope that it isn't to bad because i want my bow to turn out good.

[DanaM]

David don't worry about the drywall tape, the main thing is take yer time and you should be allright.
If you post some pics everyone here will help with the tillering etc. Don't be too disappointed if your 1st
bow doesn't come out as you envisioned, if it holds together than you were successful. There will a 2nd and 3rd
bow soon, as it sounds like you have the addiction.

[david w.]

ok im going to start tillering as soon as i get my strings. ill post pics once my mom comes back home with the digital.

it will probably be a week but probably two by the time im finished

[Pat B]

David, Don't worry about when you will be finished! Take it a step at a time, use good judgment, don't get in a rush and it will be a shooter before you know it. We will be here when she's ready to show off!     Pat

[david w.]

thanks Pat B.  ill take it slow and  make it right. I wont rush it

king3933 sorry for highjacking your thread

[Eric Krewson]

I sometimes see selfbow handles that are much too high, usually narrow and high. Bows with this type of handle are real easy to torque when you shoot. I make my bow-handle combination no more tan 1 1/2" thick.