Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: hook on April 29, 2011, 09:55:38 pm

Title: which limb should be shorter???
Post by: hook on April 29, 2011, 09:55:38 pm

I forget! I had to shorten one limb by an inch and a quarter due to....well, stupidity! anyway I know that some bows are built like that by design and not by accident.
can anybody tell me which way is up?

Title: Re: which limb should be shorter???
Post by: Elktracker on April 29, 2011, 10:20:12 pm

I usually make the bottom limb about an inch shorter, I find center measure one inch up then I measure 3 inches below center for a 4 inch grip, I shoot off my hand so the arrow rests just above the top mark. hope that helps

Josh

Title: Re: which limb should be shorter???
Post by: toomanyknots on April 29, 2011, 10:46:32 pm

You could also make a symmetrical bow with the handle right in the center, and when tillering the limb that is just a little stronger make the bottom one. This is how I usually do it anyway. If it doesn't feel like it's pulling even enough I just sand a little more on the top weak limb and try it until it pulls smooth and even feeling to me.

Title: Re: which limb should be shorter???
Post by: Gordon on April 30, 2011, 01:30:23 am

I make the lower limb shorter.

Title: Re: which limb should be shorter???
Post by: grbd29 on April 30, 2011, 01:34:31 am

Like above, I just measure in 10"-12" inches on the string on a strung bow with a square and the side with more(1/8-1/4") I use as the top.  Then I go up one inch from the center after that measurement for my arrow shelf on the top side.

Title: Re: which limb should be shorter???
Post by: Del the cat on April 30, 2011, 06:36:54 am

Generally the lower is a tad shorter. But technically there's no reason why you cant make the top one shorter as long as it's tillered to suit (and the bottom one clears the ground).
Just look at the wild assymetry of those Japanese Yumi bows.
Don't get too hooked up on what's "right" . Sometimes it's good to make something deliberately 'wrong' just to see what if... and on occaision you will discover something usefull or an improvement.
Now excuse me while I have my sardines and chocolate on toast... ::)
Del

Title: Re: which limb should be shorter???
Post by: gstoneberg on April 30, 2011, 07:01:38 am

I was taught to make the top one longer so the bow balanced in the hand.  I never could tell if that worked and make my bows symmetrical so I can chose the top limb later.  If I had the handle done and needed to pike one limb only I would shorten the lower limb, making it stiffer.

George

Title: Re: which limb should be shorter???
Post by: sweeney3 on April 30, 2011, 02:26:22 pm

Couple of theories.  Really as long as it's tillered to match, then it should be fine.  It sounds like a lot folks make the bottome limb shorter, probably to clear brush, tree stands, limbs, etc.  The opposing (well, not OPPOSING, just different) theory is that the bottom limb should be a tad longer to reduce the stress from being strung repeatedly with the push/pull stringing method that is pretty common with selfbows. 

Really though, build it to suit your needs and it should be alright either way.