1st time bow attempt

[Oldvol]

Ready to try to make 1st bow. I have a hickory board that is 72”L x 1 3/4W x 1/2” T. Is it too narrow for a 64” pyramid style bow? Should I back the bow with rawhide? Seeking guidance and advice.

[Deerhunter21]

Welcome to PA Oldvol!!! I think a pyramid style bow would be fine! if you chose a good board you shouldnt need to back it. do you have a picture of the board?

[Pat B]

What Deerhunter21 said. 

[Oldvol]

 Thanks for the reply’s. How do I post pictures?

[Hawkdancer]

Welcome aboard, Oldvol!  When you figure out the picture thing, let me know !
Hawkdancer

[Pat B]

Lots of us find it easier to use a photo hosting site like "Imgur" that are free. They will resize your pics so they can easily be posted on web sites and forums. Usually it is using the correct pic size that are allowed on sites.
 Welcome to PA. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

[mmattockx]

Ready to try to make 1st bow. I have a hickory board that is 72”L x 1 3/4W x 1/2” T. Is it too narrow for a 64” pyramid style bow? Should I back the bow with rawhide? Seeking guidance and advice.

Target draw weight? Draw length? Do you already shoot now or are you new to archery as well?


Mark

[Oldvol]

I am completely new to archery. Target draw weight is 45 lb. at 26 inches. I purchased this board online from Lumbermanco in NE. It is supposed to be specifically for bow making. Grain looks decent. There is some minor run off which I intend to put on the belly. I am still watching “how to” videos.

[mmattockx]

I am completely new to archery. Target draw weight is 45 lb. at 26 inches.

In that case you don't really know what your draw length will be, so I would suggest tillering it out to an inch longer than you think you need just in case. I would also suggest dropping your target weight to at least 40lb, if not less. If you have never shot before you will find anything much over 35lb pretty hard to draw and hold, and that leads to bad habits and poor form.


Mark

[Oldvol]

Will do. Thanks

[Oldvol]

Progress report: Have started floor tillering and it is measuring 35# at 17 inches. Using the gizmo as I go. The right limb is currently stronger than the left. Pencil lines on the lower half of the left limb and lines on the entire length of the right. Should I remove material from both limbs where needed or only the right limb until they both balance? Also my tillering string had very little sag when I first startled and now has about 8”. Is that normal or have I made a mistake?

[M2A]

You can remove wood from both limbs, as gizmo indicates. I'd try and get everything as even as you can as soon a you can before moving on even if that means losing some draw weight.

Sometimes new strings stretch or knots pull a bit so the string "gets longer" that's no big deal just tighten it back up and continue. If your piece is gaining set thats a different story and you need to ask why and correct things. such as tiller or MC

Hope that all makes sense, good luck! Pictures do help a lot
Mike     

[Oldvol]

FINISHED Tillering: Ended up with 30# pull at 26”. Wanted a 35# @ 26” but made a mistake indexing my scale. Bow shoots smooth and quite. No hand vibration. Arrow speed seems slow. Had no idea what arrows to try. I purchased 6 Hunter Ian Archery carbon arrows from Amazon. Arrows are 28” with 500 spline and 100g tip. Total arrow weight is 34g. Is this a good arrow for this bow?

Started shooting from 10 yd. Results were awful. I have a long way to go and a lot to learn.

[Piddler]

Welcome to the party Oldvol.
Piddler

[Lehtis]

Photos, please.