Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Mooseman78 on February 02, 2015, 11:20:57 pm

Title: bow design for a 56 inch bow
Post by: Mooseman78 on February 02, 2015, 11:20:57 pm

I have a ash board that I want to make a 56 Inch bow out of and was wondering what would be the best design for this bow, the board is 56" long and 1 and 5/8 wide

Title: Re: bow design for a 56 inch bow
Post by: Blaflair2 on February 02, 2015, 11:28:11 pm

Is it flat or quartersawn? Straight grain? Probly a bendy handle is best

Title: Re: bow design for a 56 inch bow
Post by: Mooseman78 on February 02, 2015, 11:36:05 pm

its a quarter sawn board and will most likely be sinew backed with im hopeing a bend in the handle design

Title: Re: bow design for a 56 inch bow
Post by: Blaflair2 on February 02, 2015, 11:46:52 pm

I'd leave the width and make it a pyramid design. Others will chime in with more experience

Title: Re: bow design for a 56 inch bow
Post by: Peacebow_Coos on February 03, 2015, 12:04:15 am

Sounds like you're on the road to an Ishi bow to me

Title: Re: bow design for a 56 inch bow
Post by: mwosborn on February 03, 2015, 12:05:48 am

Draw length and weight?

Title: Re: bow design for a 56 inch bow
Post by: Mooseman78 on February 03, 2015, 01:09:46 am

my draw is 28" and hoping to get at least 40-50lbs out of it

Title: Re: bow design for a 56 inch bow
Post by: RyanY on February 03, 2015, 01:54:25 am

What's your experience level? 28" and 40-50# is definitely feasable but it'll take some skill. I'd make it bend in the handle for sure. Sinew would be great for such a short bow. Maybe heat in some reflex first and then sinew it? I wouldn't go for a straight pyramid taper because you'll lose too much width in the outer limb. I'd keep it full width till mid limb at least but you could waist the handle to 1.25".

Title: Re: bow design for a 56 inch bow
Post by: Mooseman78 on February 03, 2015, 02:32:40 am

my skill level is new so getting 40-50 might be hard for me, I didn't thnk a pyramid would be good like u say

Title: Re: bow design for a 56 inch bow
Post by: twilightandmist on February 03, 2015, 03:46:18 pm

ok i'll bite... as a beginner, i would suggest you go with a bending handle, and leave the handle wide, and leave the limbs as wide as you can for at least 2/3rds of the limbs, leaving it wider than usual even out to the tips. in my experience, a continuous bend style has proved successful for this type of bow. what i am trying to describe is something like this:
(http://images.yuku.com/image/jpg/2fc26256dff02e482d3c808649f8df9d66b5e19c_r.jpg)
 this isn't ash, or a board, or backed, but it is quite short. the bend should be continuous and closer to circular than elliptical, in an attempt to strain the wood uniformly so no part has a larger amount of strain than any other, which could cause it to fail in that spot. Just my two cents, more experienced bowyers than I will likely have more valuable things to say on the matter.

Title: Re: bow design for a 56 inch bow
Post by: mwosborn on February 03, 2015, 08:08:49 pm

I think twilight gave you good advice.

Title: Re: bow design for a 56 inch bow
Post by: bradsmith2010 on February 03, 2015, 10:11:37 pm

I like twilights bow as well, simple ,, and efficient ,,

Title: Re: bow design for a 56 inch bow
Post by: Mooseman78 on February 03, 2015, 11:15:47 pm

thank u for our input Twilight I was thinking wide limbs for 2 thirds and wide handle