58 inch board bow question

[ccase39]

Until now I have only built 66 and 72 inch bows all from boards. Mostly Osage. I was gluing up on a 72" bow I wanted to make into an R/D bow and when I was putting on the clamps near the tips one side snapped when I was cranking the clamp down. Dont really know why, I have used that same form with other Osage boards before and had already done a dry run on this one and not had a problem. Must have been some less than stellar wood. I didnt want to waste the bamboo and accent strip that was already glued so I hurried up and glued up some yellow heart for the belly. We will see how it turns out.

Anyway it looks like I can salvage enough of the Osage to get a 58" ntn bow out of it. I dont have any experience with a bow that short, is there anything I need ot know? how long should my riser be? fades? I imagine tillering will be a bit more challenging but Ill post pics if I need to.

[bowandarrow473]

How long is your draw? you might need to make a bendy handle bow.

[ccase39]

How long is your draw? you might need to make a bendy handle bow.

27 inches

[bubby]

You can make it no problem with a bendy handled bow and good tillering

[dylanholderman]

You can make it no problem with a bendy handled bow and good tillering

I was thinking the same.

[bowandarrow473]

Good tillering and a bendy handle will get you there as stated.

[ccase39]

Any info on building with a bendy handle would be apprieciated. Im glad I can salvage it for something other than riser wood!