My first bow.

[Swamp Thang]

Okay so the title maybe misleading this is actually my 2nd bow all together the one I tried before was doomed before I could even begin to tiller. Accidently drop some tools on it and well I turned it into my first hand drill fire kit lol...  Anyways I came upon a problem on this bow I shot it for about a week trying to decide if I wanted to back it when I noticed two cracks on the back I'd say about an inch apart. Could I remedy this with some sanding and a sinew backing? And was the cause a hint or over drawing it?

[SLIMBOB]

I would say the cause is from the sizable hinge you have in the limb.  Bottom suffers from the same issue.  My first few tillers looked very similar to this so no rock throwing from inside this glass house.  My advise is start your next one.  Post pics as you go and you can have a shooter in no time.  Fixing this one with a backing is not something I would spend a great deal of time on as you can spend that same time on another and end up far ahead of where you would be on reworking this one.  Congrats on jumping in amongst them!

[bjrogg]

I agree with slimbob. If you look at picture your almost straight out of fades to mid limbs then straighten back out again. Most of your bend seems to be mid limbs. You just need to start another and spread that bend out more evenly on your whole limb.
PS You could retire that 1st one to save it but I'm afraid if you keep shooting it it won't last. I'm like slimbob my 1st had hinge to. It didn't survive broke it by a hinge after about 150 shoots.
Bjrogg

[Swamp Thang]

Thanks guys I figured it was a hint sigh I'm already on to the next one probably have it roughed out this weekend.....I blame the A.D.D.

Thinking about a 50" pyramid style bow.

[SLIMBOB]

If I can offer some advice.  Go longer on your first few.  So much easier to get a decent shooter from a longer bow.  50 inches with your draw length, I'm guessing 27' or so, you will need to get it bending thru the handle.  Even then 25 inches or thereabouts is about all you can reasonably expect.  These shorties with the stiff handles can be problematic.  Basic rule of thumb...length of the bow needs to be double the draw length plus any non-bending areas.  For good measure, add a little to that even. 

[bubby]

×2 with slimbob, a 50" bow with a stiff handle should realistically only be drawing about 21" as a selfbow

[Swamp Thang]

Oops   

[Swamp Thang]

The main reason I'd like to build a shortie is because we live in a very thick brush area would a it be reasonable to make it 21" draw maybe 50 pounds or more at that length

[SLIMBOB]

That would work. Again, follow the rule of thumb regarding bow length/draw length and your good.

[half eye]

Swamp Thang,  I posted a  51" rigid handled Mollegabet that drew 25" as a self bow and then was given to Don Burchette who gave it one layer of sinew and it wound up at over 60# @ 27 inches.....

use the search button at the top and type in " Polk Salad Annie " and see what ya think sir.
rich

[osage outlaw]

Since you are new to bow making I would suggest starting out with longer bows.  Once you get good at tillering then start going shorter until you figure out what fits your draw length and your hunting style.   That's just my opinion.

[burchett.donald]

 Swamp, here's a link http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,52218.msg707262.html#msg707262
                                                                                                                                         Don

[Swamp Thang]

Haha okay id def. Follow that advice, but already roughed out a bow shape after work..... my poor wife came home to a massive pile of shavings. I have my trusty bow for hunting luckly If I fail to produce a substantial short bow.

[Swamp Thang]

Swamp, here's a link http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,52218.msg707262.html#msg707262

That's beautiful!
                                                                                                                                         Don

[mullet]

The rule of thumb that I started with was the, "length of bow matched my height". After you get some Shootables under your belt, then start playing. You will learn a lot about bow building when you get a good, stable shooter.