introduction

[cch]

Hi,

Ive been a long time browser and thought i would go ahead a post a question. Ive  recently cut a stave from a black walnut tree from the back yard. ive seen some Bowyers on this forum use a taper tool. im sure this comes from years of building bows, but i was just curious what dimensions would work well for this particular species of wood. The stave was cut short because of a large knot. So the best i can hope for is a kids self bow, which should work well since this will be my first dive into a stave bow. I've built a few board bows, but realize this is a whole new ball game. Any suggestions would be appreciated. The tree was 4 inches in diameter. I've split it, and sealed the back and ends. Its currently taking up space in the attic. thanks

[J05H]

What is the length of the stave?

[cch]

The stave is 53in. long.

[HoBow]

That's a shorty! How comfortable are you tillering!

[cch]

I'm comfortable with tillering. Heres a red oak bow i did a couple summers ago.

I think the tiller came out pretty good.



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[Pat B]

Make an Eastern Woodland (Cherokee) style bow that bends through the handle. For durability, you may want to make the limbs a little wide[1 5/8" to 1 3/4"] and neck down at the handle for comfort. Be sure the belly is flaaaaaat!
  Use the sapwood right under the bark for your back. You should be able to get a 25" or 26" draw with this stave and possibly a bow in the 35# to 45# draw weight. If not, every kid needs a bow!