first mulberry stave-what should I do to it?

[DuBois]

59" long and over 2" entire length. Chased a 1/4" thick ring today n the cold garage. Couple of knots and some natural reflex but pretty clean overall. What do you guys think would be the best design for this to become a reliable hunting bow?






Thanks in advance, Doob.

[Danzn Bar]

What poundage are you looking for and draw length?
DBar

[wood_bandit 99]

I would divide the limb into quarters and do something along the width of 1.75" at fades going to 1.75 going to 1.5" then to 1.25" then to 3/8". That may be just a touch wide but it shouldn't take any set and it is ok to stay just a touch wide then to be just a touch skinny

[DuBois]

What poundage are you looking for and draw length?
DBar

I want be near 50# and draw 28".

Should I try to correct it and make it real straight or just keep the sideways bends and even up the limbs?
Bend in the handle? curve the tips?

[wood_bandit 99]

You can do whatever you want as far as designs. It is nearly limitless. I would say for your first selfbow, use my dimensions, follow the grain, and make it a stiff handle bow, a good all around hunting weapon. Use all it's length you can, 4 inch handle with 1 inch fades and tiller it from there. If you are careful you can do it. You also have the little bit less easy to tiller but less likely to break, bendy handle. I would go from 1.25" wide then taper from 1.25" to .5" about 10" away from the tips. Either way would make a good hunting bow.

[DuBois]

OK, thanks Bandit. I think I'll just try to even up the reflex on the limbs, follow the grain as you say, and keep the handle stiff with wider limbs as n your first response. Thanks for replying. Marco DuBois

[Danzn Bar]

59" is a little short for 28" draw unless you make a bend through handle.  But, I like stiff handles and if it were my stave I would make as short of a handle and fades as possible, maybe 4" handle and 1 1/2" fades.   I've always heard 10 -15% over design than an osage.  I wouldn't make anything less than 1 3/4" wide out about 10" off the fades then taper to 1/2" leaving a little more wood around any knots .  Start out about 3/4" thick and start floor tillering.  get it moving a bit in at the fades and move out from there.  Just my opinion, I've only done one mulberry........... but I know it needs to be wider than normal @ 59" long. if you want 50# with some reasonable thickness.
DBar

[DuBois]

OK, thanks DB. That sounds like a good plan to me.

[blackhawk]

Uh? ...make a bow  I'd make the handle bend "some" at the very least IMO ..n flip the tips

[JonW]

Like Chris said. Make it bend, yank it back, and show us some pics.

[Centerless]

59" is a little short for 28" draw unless you make a bend through handle.  But, I like stiff handles and if it were my stave I would make as short of a handle and fades as possible, maybe 4" handle and 1 1/2" fades.   I've always heard 10 -15% over design than an osage.  I wouldn't make anything less than 1 3/4" wide out about 10" off the fades then taper to 1/2" leaving a little more wood around any knots .  Start out about 3/4" thick and start floor tillering.  get it moving a bit in at the fades and move out from there.  Just my opinion, I've only done one mulberry........... but I know it needs to be wider than normal @ 59" long. if you want 50# with some reasonable thickness.
DBar

The mulberry I've used needed the larger dimensions for sure.  I made it for my daughter and it ended up 30@28.  If it was osage with the same dimensions, it would have been 15# heavier.

[Pat B]

I'd at least kick the tips a little and let the limbs bent to or through the handle. Look at the 60" Elm build along I did in the "Archives" thread.

[PEARL DRUMS]

No question it has to bend in the handle, a stiff handle is not an option. Id also flip the tips up, as Pat mentioned. You will need to fight that string angle at 28" with a 56-57" ntn bow. Keep it as wide as the pole will let you.

[Danzn Bar]

Yep...you guys are right bend through handle.....I've had my mind on a short "sinew" backed bows ever since PatB finished is 56" osage,
Know what I mean Outlaw?