Black locust width

[DC]

I'm going to start on my first BL bow. I have spliced some billets but they are only 1 1/4" wide. It is 68" long. Is this width going to be a problem? I'm looking for about 40#@26-27". I would like it a bit shorter if that's possible.

[George Tsoukalas]

That width should be fine for that weight, DM. You can cut the length down to 66" or so. Jawge

[mikekeswick]

I'd tiller it to full draw/weight at 68". Then pike an inch at a time if you feel the need to. The locust I've used has varied quite a bit in what it could take compression wise.

[DC]

 Thanks. I was planning to heat treat it. Everything I read called for 1 1/2-2" so I was a bit unsure of 1 1/4".

[BowEd]

Those numbers should get you what you want with that wood.

[George Tsoukalas]

BL heat treats really well too. Jawge

[bradsmith2010]

I would go longer as suggested and pike if needed,,
I made a nice sinew back one,, and drew it half the length of the bow,and it did fine,, but I think as a self bow err on the conservatinve side,,, since there seems go be such a wide range of quality,,

[simson]

here you can look for some dimensions: http://primitive-bows.com/tag/black-locust/

[DC]

Thanks Simon No 60-61 give me hope

[Jim Davis]

You don't tell, unless I missed it, whether you plan a bending handle or not. In my experience, a bending handle bow is the only hope you have of getting a 40-ish pounder only 1-1/4" wide, without getting a LOT of set.

Before I move to where I can get Osage, I made a lot of B.L. bows. I liked to work with it and it made good bows. But I had to go 2" wide or more at the fades with a 68" rigid handle bow.

[DC]

It's billets so I have a splice in the handle that I'd rather not bend. I've got it just about to brace height so I guess we'll see what happens.