Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Aries on November 10, 2007, 12:59:19 am

Title: Shorty bow opinion
Post by: Aries on November 10, 2007, 12:59:19 am
I have been checkin out all of the shorty bows that have been poppin up lately and decided to try one out. So as I left my 67" is best, no matter what mentality, I realise that there is a whole nother realm of shorty bows that i have only dipped my foot in.  I went down to my shot and split up (the floater) and got a nice 2/1/2" wide osage stave (close to flat) that is 57" long. I have it on my growth ring, and am leavin the layout up to your opinions of the best shorty bow design.   Ty
Title: Re: Shorty bow opinion
Post by: Kegan on November 10, 2007, 01:26:00 pm
Sinew backed flat D bow with slight deflex in the handle and flipped tips. Though, being Osage, it probably won't need any sinew. A favorite design for shorties from what I've seen- but that's just my opinion :).
Title: Re: Shorty bow opinion
Post by: Eric Garza on November 10, 2007, 01:56:21 pm
I'd agree with Kegan for the most part, although I'd try to keep the cross-section of the limbs as rectangular as possible to spread the strain out across the back and belly.  I usually decrown my short bows, and back with sinew just as an insurance policy.  I'm working on a similar bow from locust as we speak.

-Eric
Title: Re: Shorty bow opinion
Post by: Kegan on November 10, 2007, 02:00:36 pm
I'd agree with Kegan for the most part, although I'd try to keep the cross-section of the limbs as rectangular as possible to spread the strain out across the back and belly.  I usually decrown my short bows, and back with sinew just as an insurance policy.  I'm working on a similar bow from locust as we speak.

-Eric

Whoops, I forgot to say a flat D bow ;D. Kinda important on stressed short bows :o!
Title: Re: Shorty bow opinion
Post by: Aries on November 10, 2007, 04:48:17 pm
Sounds good, i dont have access to any sinew or i would use it.  How wide would you suggest i make it? and by fliping the tips, do you mean recurving,  or reflexing?  I have tried reflexing in the the past with out much sucess, what are your methods? I use a heat gun for my recurves.   Ty
Title: Re: Shorty bow opinion
Post by: Justin Snyder on November 10, 2007, 07:39:29 pm
What draw length and what weight?  If you only draw 24", a 57" osage bow isn't all that short and you could make 80# with no sinew. (assuming you have good osage)  If you want to draw 30" it changes a little.  ;) Justin
Title: Re: Shorty bow opinion
Post by: Aries on November 10, 2007, 08:12:58 pm
I draw 27"  i would prefer the bow to be 50-60 lbs  thanks :)  Ty
Title: Re: Shorty bow opinion
Post by: Gordon on November 10, 2007, 08:13:12 pm
Make it bend slightly through the handle and flip the tips up a bit and it will be plenty long - no sinew is necessary especially with a good piece of osage.
Title: Re: Shorty bow opinion
Post by: Aries on November 10, 2007, 09:18:20 pm
Ok, sounds good.  what about the width though? i have a steady 2/1/2the whole length of the board.   and Im still curious about exactly what you are sayin by "flip the tips"(reflex, recurve, working recurve)  thanks for your patients, i just got to catch on to some new lengo so i sont have to wonder later ;D   Ty
Title: Re: Shorty bow opinion
Post by: Gordon on November 10, 2007, 09:36:07 pm
Quote
Im still curious about exactly what you are sayin by "flip the tips"

See the Hazel-nut build-a-long at the top of the page. I show how to flip the tips on that bow.
Title: Re: Shorty bow opinion
Post by: Justin Snyder on November 10, 2007, 09:51:23 pm
I would think if you follow Gordon's advice you would be fine with 1 1/4"- 1 1/2" wide.  Justin
Title: Re: Shorty bow opinion
Post by: Trapper on November 10, 2007, 09:57:09 pm
Well Im like Tyrell Ive never heard of FLIPPING the tips either , why do you change the words. And ive been doin this for awhile, Oh yeah I forgot this isnt 1707, I guess we can start a new word. Flip the tip HUH , That sounds like something I would say when ,,,,,, Oh well forget it.     Trapper
Title: Re: Shorty bow opinion
Post by: Aries on November 10, 2007, 11:11:16 pm
Well I got a little ahead of myself on keeping up with posts, so right now the bow is 1/3/4" at the fades, tapering to 1/1/2" at mid limb , and on down to the 1/2" tips. And i firured that while i am doing something different, i will through a couple new things in with it.  I am going to attempt to give this bow a rigid, pistol grip style handle with an I beam arrow rest. These probaby dont make the best mix, but since i am trying somethin new, why not go all out :)   Let me now about any major issues i am developing for myself (what kind of crap i am stepping in  ;D)   Thanks  Ty
Title: Re: Shorty bow opinion
Post by: Aries on November 10, 2007, 11:14:41 pm
I forgot to mention that i haven`t cut out the design yet, i only have it layed out. So i have still have room to change, if need be ;).   Ty
Title: Re: Shorty bow opinion
Post by: M-P on November 11, 2007, 02:14:35 am
Hi, As others have already mentioned a stiff handle is probably a bad idea.  It makes less of the bow take more of the stress.  Not a good thing, espcially as you are laying out fairly narrow limbs.  Just my opinion.   Ron
Title: Re: Shorty bow opinion
Post by: Gordon on November 11, 2007, 03:40:03 am
It may be possible Tyrell, but layout and tiller will have to be perfect for a bow that length.
Title: Re: Shorty bow opinion
Post by: Marc St Louis on November 11, 2007, 08:57:47 am
If your skills are up to it I would go with the stiff handle and recurve the tips slightly for a better string angle.
Title: Re: Shorty bow opinion
Post by: Aries on November 11, 2007, 10:21:29 am
Well i tryed to make it as wide as possible to compinsate for the lost working area. Turn back now, or take a stab at it ;)?  Ty
Title: Re: Shorty bow opinion
Post by: Aries on November 11, 2007, 11:46:24 am
Gordon, I just used your jig to reflex one of my old bows and i feel confident that i can pull this one off.  I am gonna go for it. I will post pics when it is finished. Thanks for yalls help (oops let a little of my oklahoma show :))  Ty