Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: cool_98_555 on November 05, 2016, 07:40:07 pm

Title: Handle thickness?
Post by: cool_98_555 on November 05, 2016, 07:40:07 pm
Hello everyone,

I am wondering what the absolute minimum thickness should be for a stiff handle with a cut-in arrow shelf.  I have a wormhole just below the back of the stave on the side in a spot about midlimb, and if I take it down 2 growth rings to eliminate the hole, I only have about 1" of thickness left at the handle, maybe 1 1/16" thick.  It's at 66" right now, and if I pike it so that the hole is in the handle area, it would be a 62-63" bow, and I have a 29" draw.....any ideas on what the minimum thickness could be for a cut-in arrow shelf?

Thank you
Title: Re: Handle thickness?
Post by: Eric Garza on November 05, 2016, 07:45:40 pm
I think it depends how deep your arrow shelf is cut in. 1 inch should be enough for a non-bending handle in a 63 inch bow if you leave the handle a full 1 inch wide and shoot off your knuckle.
Title: Re: Handle thickness?
Post by: upstatenybowyer on November 05, 2016, 07:54:22 pm
I agree with Eric. I've made stiff handle bows around that length with an inch thick handle, but my draw length is 27.5. Thumbs work fine and so does a little extra leather or something under the grip.

Good luck
Title: Re: Handle thickness?
Post by: PatM on November 05, 2016, 08:27:30 pm
Just flatten the belly side and glue on an extra piece.
Title: Re: Handle thickness?
Post by: osage outlaw on November 05, 2016, 09:29:21 pm
1" is plenty thick enough.  Just don't cut the shelf in to far.  I'm finishing up a bow now that the handle is only slightly thicker than the limbs and it doesn't bend.  I added layers of leather on the back and belly of the handle to make it more comfortable to hold. 
Title: Re: Handle thickness?
Post by: loon on November 05, 2016, 09:33:18 pm
I think it depends how deep your arrow shelf is cut in. 1 inch should be enough for a non-bending handle in a 63 inch bow if you leave the handle a full 1 inch wide and shoot off your knuckle.
Ha, I've been hoping 3/4" is enough for minimal or no bend in a 74+" bow also with no arrow shelf and maybe a 1 1/8" wide handle.. and a light bow. But I think I'll go shorter
Title: Re: Handle thickness?
Post by: Badger on November 06, 2016, 12:09:27 am
  I usually figure a minimum of 1" thick for a 64" bow drawing about 50#.  I don't like to cut in an arrow shelf less than 1 1/4 because it can pull a splinter if it flexes at all near the cut out.
Title: Re: Handle thickness?
Post by: mikekeswick on November 06, 2016, 02:40:06 am
Easy ! Chase the ring on your limbs and leave it on the back of your handle. Feather the rings over the fades. I'd add a shelf.
Title: Re: Handle thickness?
Post by: George Tsoukalas on November 06, 2016, 08:28:42 am
What wood are you using?

A 29 inch draw for a 62" length may be fine for osage but not so much for a white wood. In that case, you would want the handle to bend.

Jawge
Title: Re: Handle thickness?
Post by: cool_98_555 on November 06, 2016, 10:00:58 am
It's Osage and it was cut 9months ago
Title: Re: Handle thickness?
Post by: George Tsoukalas on November 06, 2016, 03:00:23 pm
A handle 1" thick and 1 3/8" wide should not bend. That's what I would do.

I would also go with 1.5 in. fades and a 3-4" handle. You are on the cusp of having too short a stave so maximize the bending part.

You could also let the handle bend. Nothing wrong with that.

Jawge