Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: DC on June 27, 2016, 02:34:18 pm

Title: Top limb
Post by: DC on June 27, 2016, 02:34:18 pm
How do you decide which is going to be the top limb? All reasons, tiller, aesthetics, anything.
Title: Re: Top limb
Post by: MWirwicki on June 27, 2016, 02:42:51 pm
For me:

First: Which side of the bow's centerline that the braced string favors from should determine which limb should be on top.  Less "Archer's Paradox".
Second:  If dead center, then the weaker limb on top (provided the bow is symmetrical).
Title: Re: Top limb
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on June 27, 2016, 02:57:39 pm
Same as Matt. If I have control over limb length and alignment I will put the limb with the most character on top for my eyes to see.
Title: Re: Top limb
Post by: Pat B on June 27, 2016, 03:07:52 pm
Like both above.
 I make my bows symmetrical. I'll shoot one in sometimes before determining top limb but not always.
Title: Re: Top limb
Post by: JW_Halverson on June 27, 2016, 03:33:17 pm
As I lay out a bow, I will incorporate the end of the stage with the most character into the upper limb.  No reason other than it draws more attention.
Title: Re: Top limb
Post by: wizardgoat on June 27, 2016, 03:41:05 pm
Most my bows I make my top limb longer, and like pearly and JW, I always put the limb with more wiggle and character on the top
Title: Re: Top limb
Post by: Jonas on June 27, 2016, 04:08:48 pm
I do not build my bows symetrical. For me, the most crucial factors are:
1) If there are potentially weak/problematic spots I try to put these in the upper limp. The lower limp has to bend more, weak spots are more stressed (if you let them bend)
2) If there is a reflex, I try to to put it in the lower limp, so it becomes faster. I put a deflex in the upper limp.
3) I ask myself which choice of limps favors the string (as MWirwicki said, less Archers Paradox)
4) aesthetics
Title: Re: Top limb
Post by: mullet on June 27, 2016, 09:47:46 pm
I do like the above except put the crooked limb on the bottom for less distraction, unless it has a hole it.
Title: Re: Top limb
Post by: SLIMBOB on June 27, 2016, 10:08:10 pm
Usually the most character on top. 
Title: Re: Top limb
Post by: Dances with squirrels on June 28, 2016, 04:58:43 am
I put the limb with the most imperfections(not necessarily character) up top. My bows are asymmetrical.
Title: Re: Top limb
Post by: Del the cat on June 28, 2016, 08:30:10 am
All the above ;D
Del
Title: Re: Top limb
Post by: Pappy on June 28, 2016, 09:21:54 am
Same as Matt. :)
 Pappy
Title: Re: Top limb
Post by: BowEd on June 28, 2016, 10:14:00 am
About the same as everyone but I put the more reflexed limb on top.It ends up with more material removed and needs to bend more and over time I need the bottom limb to stay stronger.That's my reasoning and over many bows has proven to work for me for durability and efficiency over time.I've done it both ways.That's with even lengthed limbs also.
As far as string alignment on handle I remember where the string lays at low brace/grab the handle and look and feel it to determine that way too.I shoot it too lots of times but most times I can tell just from handling the bow at brace and looking at string on handle.
Title: Re: Top limb
Post by: BowEd on June 28, 2016, 10:20:45 am
DC....Also my handle centers are 1.5 to 1.75 below arrow pass too.
Title: Re: Top limb
Post by: Joec123able on June 28, 2016, 10:24:40 am
I sight down the stave and look which side the string will track down. Which ever side determines what limbs are what.
Title: Re: Top limb
Post by: Fred Arnold on June 28, 2016, 02:47:36 pm
Most staves that I use come from trees or branches that I cut and I generally try to make the bottom limb from the wider bottom end of the tree whenever possible. Doesn't really make much sense but it's a habit I've gotten into.
Title: Re: Top limb
Post by: George Tsoukalas on June 28, 2016, 03:55:12 pm
Imperfect limb becomes the top. Sometimes I turn it around depending on string alignment. I prefer having a off center string towards my drawing hand. Jawge