Paddle Bow or Flat Bow Help?

[Marshrat]

I'm looking at building a new bow. I can get a Black Locust or a Osage Stave I would like to have a Paddle Bow ( I just like the design) . I'm trying for 62" Nock to Nock 50# @ 28". this will be my first bow from stave to bow  My Question is the Paddle or the Flat Bow best for either of these woods and which design is easer for a first timer.
 PS: I have finished a couple roughed out flat bow but thats it.

 Thanks for all help and advice.
 Dennis 

[El Destructo]

Dennis....a Paddle Bow is no easy feat....Tillering these can be a Beast....the Limbs are Lenticular in Shape....Thick and Narrow at the Handle near the Beginnings of the long Fades....but thin drastically at their widest point....and then start to narrow and thicken again all the way to the Pin Nocks......I love making Paddle Bows....but they are not an easy task to Tiller....but they look so Purdy when you finish.....love the smooth curvy lines of a Paddle Bow....sort of like a Young Woman......Gawd thats disturbing!!!!

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[Pat B]

Either will work for a paddle bow but both are a bit heavy(physically). I usually think of yew or ash weight woods for a paddle bow. Of the two, I think the locust would be better suited...there are better designs for osage. For a first stave bow I'd go with osage.
    So, now that I have confused you...have fun!     Pat

[Marshrat]

Thanks Guys I'll go with the Flat bow. I want to go with a 60" or 62"  50# to use for Turkey hunting. A lot of sitting and kneeling shots will this work well with a 28" draw or is there a better design?
PS: Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet Paddle bow pic

[El Destructo]

Thanks Guys I'll go with the Flat bow. I want to go with a 60" or 62"  50# to use for Turkey hunting. A lot of sitting and kneeling shots will this work well with a 28" draw or is there a better design?
PS: Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet Paddle bow pic

Thanks Dennis....I am really partial to the Paddle Bow....it is a design that can be left strung all day and does not take it serious....They take it on the Chin...I have only one Paddle Bow that has any String Follow....and I did that myself by working it when the Moisture Content was way too high....so I learned from this mistake too!!

[Pat B]

The bow I made to hunt with this year is a 60"t/t osage bow with slight static recurved tips. This bow is 1 3/8" at the fades, 1 1/4" half way out and 3/8" tips. It pulls 56#@26". It would easily take a 28" draw.     Pat

[kayakfisher]

Dennis I Like the name !

[Marshrat]

Ok I received my Black Locust Stave today. It is still a little green. at what moister content should I be looking for before starting work? My elbow has healed nicely so I'm may look at bumping the draw to 60 to 65#  @28"flat bow any thoughts and comments on dimensions would help. Thanks All   

[DanaM]

You can rough it out anytime, this will help it dry quicker. Might want to strap it to a 2x4 so it don't warp if you do rough it out.

[Hillbilly]

At 60"-62" and 60-65# @ 28, I'd make the locust at least 1 3/4" wide fades to midlimb. A couple inches longer, or a few pounds lighter, 1 5/8" should work.