Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Scrub_buck on December 08, 2009, 08:46:37 pm

Title: Hickory selfbow
Post by: Scrub_buck on December 08, 2009, 08:46:37 pm

Can anybody give me some good dimensions for a Hickory selfbow?  I am wanting to make a d-style bow... probably 64-66 inches NTN.

Is 1.5 inches at the widest part coming out of the fades too narrow?

I have my stave dry and ready to be reduced to bow dimensions and start working.  Also, I have read somewhere that the belly should be flat on hickory?  Is this correct.  The osage bow I made had a slightly radiused belly.

Thanks in advance,

Sandy

Title: Re: Hickory selfbow
Post by: Pat B on December 08, 2009, 09:06:01 pm

For a "D" bow 1 1/2" at the handle is fine. You may want to go out a bit(6"-8") with this width before tapering to the tips. While tillering if you find the limbs getting to thin tiller from the sides reducing the width.
  Yes, hickory needs a flat belly. IMO

Title: Re: Hickory selfbow
Post by: Pappy on December 09, 2009, 06:34:16 am

What weight and draw length are you looking for ???
     Pappy

Title: Re: Hickory selfbow
Post by: Scrub_buck on December 09, 2009, 07:56:36 pm

Sorry Pappy .. I forgot to mention that.

Probably around 50 pounds and I draw a tad less than 28 inches.

Title: Re: Hickory selfbow
Post by: Pappy on December 10, 2009, 08:33:32 am

That should about do it,I usually make them about 1 5/8 and have seemed to have had better luck with a straight tapper to the tips from the fads. Not as many frets and easier to tiller. :)
   Pappy

Title: Re: Hickory selfbow
Post by: Hillbilly on December 10, 2009, 01:21:09 pm

If you're making a d-bow, there won't be any fades. 1 1/2" at the handle is pretty wide to shoot around and grip comfortably. I'd try around 1 1/4"-1 3/8" wide from center to midlimb and leave it as long as possible.