"Lightweight" hickory warbow/longbow? Input wanted...

[Ifrit617]

Hi all,

I got a hickory stave on the way and I am interested in making a "lightweight" warbow. As far as dimensions, I was thinking 73" n2n, 1 1/4 inches wide at the handle, straight to mid limb then tapering to 3/8 inch tips, over-layed with horn or antler. I am looking for about 80-85# at 30". I plan on keeping the belly relatively flat, rounding only slightly, due to hickory being prone to set. I also may heat treat, But I'm gonna wait to see how things go. Any advice or input would be great! Thanks.

Jon

[Hrothgar]

Jon, basically your dimensions sound do-able. I've made several ELBs using white ash, 71" ntn, 1 3/8" wide with a slightly rounded belly. None have really taken any set, they are around 55-60lbs at 29". I wouldn't be afraid to go 1 3/8" with hickory and have a slightly rounded belly. With a 73" bow and using hickory I would think you should be in the ball park for an 80 lb bow. JMO.
Eric

[blackhawk]

Ryoon s made a couple hickory warbows I believe...I think his were an 1 1/2"  id start at that width and heat treat for sure,and see how much set its taking as you tiller,and how much mass you have as you tiller,and narrow from there if need be....but I doubt you'll b any narrower than 1 1/2" and def no less than 1 3/8" at that length and desired weight....hopefully ryoon will chime in n give ya the juicy details.

[Ifrit617]

Ok guys. That's for the tips....

[fishfinder401]

im planning the same thing , just heavier 

[RyanY]

Thanks for the recommendation blackhawk. 

Ifrit, If anything I would go just a bit wider. The few hickory warbows I've made had fairly flat bellies and trapped backs. They were heat treated as well which kept set low. Hope that helps.

[fishfinder401]

how heavy can hickory go if the back is trapped and belly heat treated?
thanks
noel

[RyanY]

Noel, I imagine very heavy. I made one 120#@32" that was 72" long and set wasn't too bad and could have been better if I got the middle working a bit more. If the bow was longer it could have gone quite a bit heavier.

[fishfinder401]

what if it was in the 73-75inch range?