Author Topic: First Self Bow  (Read 2955 times)

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Offline Nomis

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First Self Bow
« on: January 23, 2018, 03:54:48 pm »
Here is the layout that I have decided on.

Wood: Hickory
Length 66" nock to nock
Handle 4" long, 1" wide, 1 3/4" thick
2" long fades, 2" wide limbs, 1/2 wide tips
Backed with rawhide (hide glue)
was thinking 3/4" for limb thickness

Three questions:
1. Should I make the bow 66" or 68" ntn?
2. Was planning on giving the bow back set. Good idea?
3. Wanted an arrow shelf. should I glue one on, or is it possible to cut one in very shallow?

Offline George Tsoukalas

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Re: First Self Bow
« Reply #1 on: January 23, 2018, 04:18:05 pm »
What is your draw length?
I am glad you want to make a bow.
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Jawge
Set Happens!
If you ain't breakin' you ain't makin!

Offline Nomis

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Re: First Self Bow
« Reply #2 on: January 23, 2018, 04:54:20 pm »
Right around 28" I checked out your layout design btw Jawge

Offline Jackpineboyz

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Re: First Self Bow
« Reply #3 on: January 23, 2018, 06:47:26 pm »
Hickory can handle shorter.  64” ntn would be ok.  Being your first bow,  go 66” ntn for insurance.  Also could narrow to 1 3/4 width if you like, especially if your looking at 50# or less.  If Going heavier then keep the 2”.  Hickory is pretty durable, is it a stave or board bow.

I’ve found hickory to like a good heat treat on the belly.  What poundage and profile are you thinking? I’m guessing a pyramid or American flatbow from what you mentioned so far.

Offline Nomis

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Re: First Self Bow
« Reply #4 on: January 23, 2018, 08:05:38 pm »
American flatbow. Around 55#. Was planning on having the 2" limbs taper at mid length to the tips.

Offline JW_Halverson

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Re: First Self Bow
« Reply #5 on: January 23, 2018, 08:08:11 pm »
American flatbow. Around 55#. Was planning on having the 2" limbs taper at mid length to the tips.

Sounds pretty good.
Guns have triggers. Bicycles have wheels. Trees and bows have wooden limbs.

Offline Nomis

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Re: First Self Bow
« Reply #6 on: January 24, 2018, 03:18:09 am »
I will be using a stave

Offline JWMALONE

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Re: First Self Bow
« Reply #7 on: January 24, 2018, 07:12:45 am »
I will be starting my first stave soon, keep us (me) posted. Good luck and good shooting.
Red Oak its the gateway wood!

Offline George Tsoukalas

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Re: First Self Bow
« Reply #8 on: January 24, 2018, 07:20:47 am »
Sounds like 68" is a good starting length for your first. Jawge
Set Happens!
If you ain't breakin' you ain't makin!

Offline Jackpineboyz

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Re: First Self Bow
« Reply #9 on: January 24, 2018, 07:57:14 am »
I think you have a good plan in place. 

Offline Nomis

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Re: First Self Bow
« Reply #10 on: January 24, 2018, 03:53:28 pm »
Is 3/4" good for the limb thickness?

Offline Jackpineboyz

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Re: First Self Bow
« Reply #11 on: January 24, 2018, 04:11:34 pm »
I would start there for your first bow.  then start scraping until you get it floor tillered.
If your good with tools, 3/4 at fades to 1/2 or 5/8 at the tip would be a reasonable taper.  Its hard to put wood back on though.

Offline Mo_coon-catcher

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Re: First Self Bow
« Reply #12 on: January 24, 2018, 04:56:56 pm »
Those thickness numbers are pretty close to what I start with. With black locust I nock the numbers down about 1/8” in thicknes from those. I personally use my farriers rasp to drop weight and even the tiller until I get the bow braced. For me it’s easier to keep the belly flat and clean of washboards by using rasps and large files for the heavy tillering. Then I swap to scraping once I’ve reached brace. But I’ve built a few and have a good grasp on how much to remove and how much my methods will take with each pass. Though on new designs and new woods, I’ll slow down so I can keep a better eye on what’s going on.

Kyle

Offline Nomis

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Re: First Self Bow
« Reply #13 on: January 31, 2018, 07:30:45 pm »
One thing I was always confused by. If someone says to make a 68" bow, is that total length or nock to nock?

Offline JWMALONE

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Re: First Self Bow
« Reply #14 on: February 01, 2018, 07:06:38 am »
Most guys will say 68 t2t (tip2tip) or n2n (nock 2 nock) I believe just 68 would imply t2t.
Red Oak its the gateway wood!