Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Shondy55 on December 20, 2011, 04:46:42 am
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hey guys i just bought a maple board from home depot, its got really good straight grain and its very dense 1" x 2"....anyway my buddy wanted a short bow to start shooting so i was wondering what would be a good set of dimensions to make a maple short bow out of... i was thinking #55 @29inch for the draw, thanks!
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I wouldn't go any shorter then 66 for that long of a draw and would probably back it even then especially with maple. :)
Pappy
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thanks pappy, so you think 60inches ntn is out of the question?
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60" ntn would be good if the handle worked and the bow was 2" wide. Back it with rawhide. Its cheap and easy.
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Maybe 60 ,but I am not much on pushing the envelope that much, 29 inches is a lot to ask from a 60 inch piece of Maple,I know folks here do it but I look more for longevity than anything and do tend to overbuild so maybe mine is not the best advice. I know they say double the draw is enough on bend in the handle bow and with some woods say Osage/Hickory and everything prefect [Tiller] that may be true but it is asking a lot from most woods I have delt with,most short bows if you notice the full draw picture on here ant 29 inches ,usually not even 26 there is a reason for that. :) :) JMO. :) :) I would
rather be safe than sorry. :)
Pappy
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Im not sure where hackberry compares to maple? I have a 60" unbacked hackberry bow that bends in the handle and draws 29" easily. Its about 1 3/4" wide and left quite heavy duty after the fades. Dont know if that helps or confuses. I have never considered maple boards or staves....so...
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I agree with pappy... i would much rather make a bendy handle 60 inch bow that pulled 25" and lasted for many years than pshing the envelope and getting a bow that only lasted a few thousands shots... Just my opinion though.
Jon
P.S. I have had bad luck with maple boards chrysaling so I would not go too short.
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my 63" maple bow can be pulled to 28" with no problem...... Don't underestimate the quality of the maple boards of home depot, they really do make some fine bows.
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based on your guys advice i've settled on a 65 or 63 inch bow with a working handle and 28 inch draw, now i'm not quite sure how to make a working handle...do you pretty much just gradually take off wood and work it down like you would a limb of a bow?
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I think you have made a good compromise,Not to short and not to long. :) :) Ya pretty much like a limb bow,be careful not to get it bending to much in the handle area to early.I have mine start bending toward the end of the draw,last few inches. :) :) Good luck and keep us posted. :)
Pappy
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Thanks pappy, and will do
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I think Pappy's got it and your going the right way. I made a 56" Maple - bend through the handle. It shot for a a few months than crack.
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that little bit of extra length will make for a more shooter freindly bow to,most of mine are 66" ttt Bub