To recurve or not to recurve... Black Locust

[Red-Beard_the_Gael]

I recently bought (but have not received yet) a nice stave of Black Locust. The thing I was wondering about is that the stave is 50 3/4" long and I have a 29" draw length. Would it be a good idea to recurve this bow to, at the very least, get it closer to my draw length without putting too much of a string angle on it when I draw it? Also, what is the better method for recurving Black Locust? The rest of the dimensions on the stave are 2" wide and 1 3/4" plus in height down the length. I will post pics as soon as I get the stave in the mail.

[PatM]

 Nowhere near long enough. Splice in some extensions.

[joachimM]

Recurving increases the strain on the wood. a 2" recurved bow drawn to 29" will more likely be strained like a straight bow drawn to 31". At best, with a 50" straight bow aim for a 25" draw or do as PatM suggests.

"Having" a 29" draw length doesnt mean you cannot shoot a bow with a shorter max draw. IMHO the bow determines the max draw length, not the archer

[huisme]

I'm known for pushing staves past conventional draws but I still wouldn't go for that. Splice some levers on her

[sleek]

Or do a takedown with a longer riser....

[TRACY]

Or,just wait until you have a longer stave

I'd steam your recurves in with black locust if you go that route.

Nothing wrong with shooting a shorter draw either


Tracy

[Pappy]

Way short for that draw length no matter what you do short of sinew or some other good backing, IMO, but ha I am old school.
 Pappy

[Josh B]

I agree with Tracy, get a longer stave.  Josh

[Red-Beard_the_Gael]

I think I'd like to try and add levers to the ends, maybe curve those a bit. Does anyone know of a good tutorial or other resources for splicing the wood together. I understand the idea ,but am not sure at which point during the process to go ahead and add the ends or whether it be better to have the fade before the splice or if its ok to have the splice in the fade. The idea in my head is to also back this bow with rawhide and do either a sinew wrap or glue wrap around the splices. Thoughts?

[bubby]

A simple vee splice is the way to go

[alwayslookin]

Hope I'm not hijacking the thread Bubby what glue do you prefer for your v splice?

[bubby]

If its a good tight fit tb3 will work but a safe bet would be smooth on or unibond