how to determine draw length

[Spotted Dog]

 I'm wondering how you all determine draw length on a bow.  For some reason I take 1/2 of ntn length
and then take off 5" . Mainly on short bows.

[Pat B]

1/2 the length is a rule of thumb but tiller has to be perfect at that length. Add about 10% to that and you should be OK.  For sinew backed bows you can go half the n/n length.

[George Tsoukalas]

I double my draw and add at least 20% depending on the condition of the stave.
Jawge

[bradsmith2010]

also I take into consideration if the bow bends in the handle or how wide the limbs are,,, what the condition of  the back is etc etc,, if the bow wood is very good, maybe I make it bit on the short side,, if questionable I may over build a bit,, just depends,, for a good starting point what Jawge and Pat said,,

[Pappy]

I usually double the draw length and add the no moving section [handle and fads] for a non bending handle bow. That is pretty safe.
 Pappy

[loon]

Could a 64" Juniper, sinew backed static recurve (no sinew on the tips) draw 33"? Static portion on each limb probably 9" (18" total), I guess bendy handle and 1.25" wide...
So, I guess equivalent to a 54" static recurve bow 1" wide with a 28" draw,  15" non-bending. sounds a bit too demanding.

Not sure if drawing past the ear (shooting accurately) could be practical for hunting because of all the extra movement. For target shooting, shorter draw with light arrows is faster. Cheek draw is probably about ideal for me... :| but I really like the feel of drawing a bit past my ear Gao Ying style as well.

I really should start smaller... a nice 60" hickory D-bow with a 28.5" draw

[crooketarrow]

  I'm a little slow.

  You build the bow to match the persons draw length. There's no set draw length to wood bows.It's how well you design and tiller the bow.

  YOU LET THE STAVE TELL YOU. HOW TO DESIGN THE BOW.

 I've tiller ed quite a few bows 30 and over. One 92# ash war bow 33"s.

[Del the cat]

I pull til it breaks then ease back a tad
Del

[bjrogg]

That's how you know for sure Del.

[Spotted Dog]

 Just got back from a Texas wedding for a niece.  Thanks for the info.

[Onebowonder]

I pull til it breaks then ease back a tad
Del

...and the next step in this method is to walk gingerly to nearest latrine and begin cleaning up your trousers!  Copious quantities of tissue paper and Lysol are a suggested best practice.         

OneBow

[loon]

1/2 seems to be the ratio for Ishi-style bows, which have working tips?
ded