Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: b-dog on November 17, 2011, 08:34:38 pm

Title: hickory stave
Post by: b-dog on November 17, 2011, 08:34:38 pm

i have a new to he hickory stave on the way. i made a couple of board bows and one from a hickory stave. the stave bow was about 63" tnt. i would like to build one a little longer. i draw about 29". what are some good designs for hickory bows. would like a long and narrrow but from what i read that i need something besides hickory. but for right now i will have the hickory to work with.

Title: Re: hickory stave
Post by: johnston on November 18, 2011, 12:56:28 am

Depends on the stave of course but hickory can do the long and narrow. In fact my humble opinion is that whatever
the builder can do it can be done with hickory. Of course, opinions vary.

Lane

Title: Re: hickory stave
Post by: Pat B on November 18, 2011, 01:13:44 am

I've seen narrow/deep hickory longbows but they are rare. Hickory is strong in tension but weak in compression. For your 29" draw I'd suggest 68"(66" if you feel frisky  ;) ), at least 1 1/2" wide at the fades and out at least half of the working limb before tapering to 1/2" tips(for now)...and should have a flat belly.  A typical American Longbow would be a good design for your hickory stave.

Title: Re: hickory stave
Post by: Pappy on November 18, 2011, 07:32:26 am

I work with a lot of Hickory and agree with Pat on the design. :)
   Pappy

Title: Re: hickory stave
Post by: cracker on November 18, 2011, 07:38:13 am

I'm with Pat and Pappy that's good solid advice.Ronnie

Title: Re: hickory stave
Post by: b-dog on November 18, 2011, 10:10:07 am

thanks

Title: Re: hickory stave
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on November 18, 2011, 12:26:44 pm

b-dog dont listen to those two old coots! I would bet they have built no less than 300-400 bows between them. I would build it 68" long and no less than 1 1/2" wide at the fades.

Title: Re: hickory stave
Post by: Pat B on November 18, 2011, 12:32:05 pm

Pearlie, you are starting to sound like one of those old coots with your bow building advise!  ;D

Title: Re: hickory stave
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on November 18, 2011, 12:41:59 pm

Nah. Im like a little kid Pat. I just repeat what I hear!

b-dog, they are right on. The measurements they gave you will be perfect-o. I just finished a hickory American longbow for a 29" draw feller. It was 1 5/8" at the fades and 67" ttt, 58#.

Title: Re: hickory stave
Post by: okie64 on November 18, 2011, 08:48:18 pm

Hickory can make a long, narrow, deep bow but it takes some patience and very careful tillering or it can take a lot of set. I built bendy handle awhile back that was 68" long and 1" wide in the center and tapered to 3/8" tips. Heat-treated the belly and after a lot of shooting it still holds an inch of reflex when unstrung. I'll see if I can find a pic of it and post it on here later.