question regarding English horn caps

[ravenbeak]

Hi all,

My question is around what diameter do you make the tips for the yew english longbows.  I have done the trick with the speedbore wood bit carved down to a point to drill out the horn.  I have been using a half inch bit,  and it has been working great.   To date the heaviest bow I have built using this bit has been 65lbs.   I am looking to make an 85lb bow,  Do you think I can get away with the same bit and the tip diameter at half inch.  Or should I step up to a 5/8 inch bit and add a bit more meat to the tips.

Thanks,
Jamie

[AH]

1/2" is just about where you want to be, or maybe even a smudge under...though I wouldn't risk it with yew.
Most warbows are 1/2" at the base of the horn nock where the horn meets wood.
If I were you I would just go with 1/2".
cheers

[mikekeswick]

1/2 inch is plenty.
Horn nocks can be a lot smaller than people think.....thats not to say it isn't scary when you string up a heavy bow with 'minimalist' nocks.....