Question about ERC design.

[ricktrojanowski]

I think I am going to start an ERC longbow.  I have a super clean stave with no knots on the back.  I want to sinew back it anyway just for the experience and to make it a little snappier.  The stave naturally has a little deflex.  So I figured the sinew would induce some reflex.  I like the contrast between the sapwood and heartwood so I want to leave some sapwood.  My question is how much?  and since it is being backed do I need to follow one ring?  Does 60" tip to tip. 1 1/2" at the fades to 1/2" at the tips sound good for a 50+/- # bow at 26" sound about right.

[330bull]

Hi Rick,

Dude if you have access to ERC, I'd be willing to trade some primo staves for one or five.     Seriously though, I think it's also time to start on that piece of Yew I gave you for your birthday.

Joe

[ricktrojanowski]

Joe
I was going to give the Yew a go.  But I would rather practice on this cedar.  I love that Yew too much to screw it up.  I might have some cedar staves in the future.  It all depends on my ability to cut some where I shouldn't really be cutting some.   I keep saying I'm going to go cut but things keep coming up.  I'll let you know.

Rick

[knightd]

Rick how thick is the sap wood??

[ricktrojanowski]

David-
The sapwood is about 3/8" thick at the ends.  I have not reduced it at all so it may be thicker or thinner in the center?  I was going to rough out the width to get a better idea of the thickness.