Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: ty_in_ND on November 21, 2015, 12:13:39 pm

Title: Advice for bow dimensions
Post by: ty_in_ND on November 21, 2015, 12:13:39 pm
Hello all!

About a year ago, I made a bow for my wife as a Christmas gift. I don't have the exact dimensions in front of me, but it is a pyramid red oak board bow.  It's worked out pretty well (has over 1000 shots through it and it's still going strong!), but the weight of the bow is a hair on the low side.  It ended up being around 17# at her draw length of 25 inches.  It was fine for her at first, as she was completely new to archery and I didn't want to overbow her.  She's stated recently that the bow is super easy to draw back now and that she would like to try a heavier bow.

So, I want to build her a bow that would be in the 25-30# range @ 25 inches.  I have a nice, straight grained hickory board that I want to use.  As far as a design, I'd like to follow Bubby's pyramid bow build-along, but use dimensions that will have me end up with the desired weight I'm looking for.  I tried to look up dimensions for a ladies/youth bow, but nothing really popped up for what I'm looking for.  If any of you could either point me in the right direction or if you've made a similar board bow yourself and could share the dimensions of your finished product, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks for your help!
Title: Re: Advice for bow dimensions
Post by: bubby on November 21, 2015, 07:43:25 pm
Ty in my build the bow is 2" wide if you go 1 3/4" wide instead you should be ok
Title: Re: Advice for bow dimensions
Post by: Badger on November 21, 2015, 08:22:34 pm
 For a pyramid of that weight I would say no wider than 1 3/8".
Title: Re: Advice for bow dimensions
Post by: bubby on November 21, 2015, 11:50:16 pm
Steve in my build its 66" i figure roughed put to 1-3/4" will give him some room for error tiller wise and at 25" drae instead of 28-29" like in my build
Title: Re: Advice for bow dimensions
Post by: bownarra on November 22, 2015, 04:03:01 am
I'd rough out hickroy at 1 1/2 wide then maybe reduce width a little once i'd got near full draw and had a handle on the amount of set.
Title: Re: Advice for bow dimensions
Post by: ty_in_ND on November 22, 2015, 10:27:31 am
Thanks for the input Bubby, Steve, and Bownarra.  I will start at 1-3/4" and go from there (not going any lower than 1-3/8) as far as the starting width is concerned.  Since everyone loves pictures, I'll be sure to post the bow when it's done!