Deciding which limb is up?

[paulc]

Can someone talk about what you take into consideration when deciding which end is up?

On my hickory bow one limb seems to bend a bit less than the other...should it be up or down and why?

Thanks, Paul

[Pat B]

Paul, I've had bowyers tell me they build their bows the way the wood came from the tree, bottom limb from the butt end of the stave. Whether that is necessary I'm not sure. Generally speaking the stiffer limb would go at the bottom.
 I build symmetrical bows with the center of the handle the center of the bow. I also don't shape the handle until late in the process so the top/bottom limb can be determined later in the process.

[SLIMBOB]

Ditto Pat B. I will say that this topic came up some time back, as to which limb goes where, especially as it applies to character. Seems most folks agreed that they placed the most character rich limbs on the bottom. I do as well. Not sure why frankly. Stronger limb on the bottom is good advice I think.

[jeffp51]

Funny, I do it opposite. I like the limb with the most character on top, where I can see it, then try to tiller accordingly. Also, my string seldom goes dead center down the handle, so I also choose the top limb by which one creates a more center shot design

[Del the cat]

Stiffest and cleanest limb at the bottom for me.
Del

[George Tsoukalas]

What Dell said. Jawge

[SLIMBOB]

Go figure.   May be I'm misremembering the responses.  Been a while back so maybe. I dont know that I had given it much thought up until that point.  At my advanced age.....

[Bryce]

Paul, I've had bowyers tell me they build their bows the way the wood came from the tree, bottom limb from the butt end of the stave. Whether that is necessary I'm not sure. Generally speaking the stiffer limb would go at the bottom.

Yes

Stiffest and cleanest limb at the bottom for me.
Del

Also yes!


The bottom limb usually being a tad short takes a bit more stress therefore the cleanest limb should be the bottom one.
But if it’s a sapling or branch bow I can’t help but make it upright so that the little features like knots and twig nubs orient the proper direction.

[bushboy]

Im not sure why but natural deflex limbs seem to be stronger and reflex limbs seem to be a bit weaker.it doesn't make sense but I have noticed it in my elm bows

[bradsmith2010]

I like to shoot the bow,, and put the limb on top that is easiest to shoot, with good arrow flight,, that being said,, I agree, the strongest limb on bottom usually,, but if it shoots better ,, the other way, I will go with that,, and shape the handle to go with,, I will usually put the reflex limb on top.. I have noticed ,, sometimes they shift a bit,, making it the weaker,,

[paulc]

Sounds like the answer is “depends”.....

😀 Thanks, Paul

[Deerhunter21]

Yea thats what things like this usually are like, too many answers to find the fact. (+1 for del) 

[straightarrow]

My deciding factor is which side of handle the string favors. I like my bows to lean towards or be center shot. Makes tuning arrows much easier and getting good flight. I always tiller my bottom limb a 1/8 to a 1/4" stiff. I make my decision at first brace.

[paulc]

Why the stiffer limb on bottom?  Paul

[Pat B]

More pressure is put on the lower limb as the bow is drawn.