Hey guys, I'd like to make a similar replica (exact would bust most self bows, or at least take a lot of set AFAIK), to the recurves in Catching Fire. For anyone who's not a die hard fan, here's what it looks like.
http://hungergamesarchery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/o-JENNIFER-LAWRENCE-HUNGER-GAMES-570-1.jpgNot too unusual a design for a FG bow but its not really traditional when it comes to self bows, but I'd like to try none the less.
Here's my plan. 61" hackberry stave. 2 and 1/4" wide most of the length of the limbs. 35-40lbs at 26". 11.5" sass handle riser (longer than most self bow handles, shorter than some FG). This leaves me with about 50" of recurved working limb. Will it work?
Also back to the riser.
1 Does it need to be as well seasoned as the stave?
2 If so, can I season it in the oven?
3 Have FG type handle risers been done on self bows before, if so any pics or links?
4 Do you glue the riser on early or shape it some first then glue it on.
5 Will TBII work for gluing? (assuming the stave isn't bendy handle, obviously most risers would pop off then)
6 Can I steam deflex the stave, shape the riser to fit, then glue it to the riser to take some of the stress of the limbs?
7 If so would #6 be beneficial to have a R/D or should I just go with simple recurves?
Thanks you very much for any help! You guys are a great resource!