Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: nativenoobowyer86 on February 05, 2012, 08:11:06 pm

Title: Hickory-backed purpleheart
Post by: nativenoobowyer86 on February 05, 2012, 08:11:06 pm

hey guys, i just glued up a hick-backed purpleheart blank and i was wondering how narrow i can go with this thing.  it really feels heavy right now.  it is 64 ttt 1 3/4 to 1/2, taper starts 4 inch off the fades. trapped the hickory a bit :D

Title: Re: Hickory-backed purpleheart
Post by: Pat B on February 05, 2012, 08:16:43 pm

Purpleheart is susceptable to fretting so I wouldn't go narrower than 1 1/2" and get the limbs to bend into the fades.  I have a piece of PH I've had for 10 years or more and a hickory backing. Looking forward to your progress.

Title: Re: Hickory-backed purpleheart
Post by: Bevan R. on February 05, 2012, 10:34:12 pm

What kind of weight and draw you shooting for?
I have made several with that combonation and Pat is dead on about the fretting.

Bevan

Title: Re: Hickory-backed purpleheart
Post by: nativenoobowyer86 on February 05, 2012, 10:36:44 pm

it is for my sister so around 40-45 at 27, shes a tough gal :)

Title: Re: Hickory-backed purpleheart
Post by: Bevan R. on February 05, 2012, 10:56:15 pm

I would leave it as wide has you have it now. How thick is the hickory?

Title: Re: Hickory-backed purpleheart
Post by: nativenoobowyer86 on February 05, 2012, 11:06:18 pm

the hickory backing is 1/8 thick, i would be fine leaving it as is, possibly narrowing the tips a bit more.

Title: Re: Hickory-backed purpleheart
Post by: okie64 on February 05, 2012, 11:53:59 pm

Leave it as wide as you can and you might have better luck if you trap the back a little bit. I built a hic- backed purpleheart a couple of years ago and it fretted on me. It was 45# @ 26", 1.5" wide to midlimb, and 62" long. It still shoots good even though it has some frets. Purpleheart is just one of those woods that doesnt like to be bent. :)

Title: Re: Hickory-backed purpleheart
Post by: nativenoobowyer86 on February 06, 2012, 12:11:16 am

Thanks alot you guys :)i will be as cautious as i can and hope for the best :)  "nice smooth tiller. nice smooth tiller, nice smooth tiller" as i head out to the shed :)

Title: Re: Hickory-backed purpleheart
Post by: mikekeswick on February 06, 2012, 06:15:15 am

I've made a few elb's with that combo and you are on the right lines. Perfect tiller perect tiler perfect tiller......keep repeating! It's a great combo when you get the width just right. Very snappy when you manage to get the bow tillered without chyrsals.

Title: Re: Hickory-backed purpleheart
Post by: ojibwatbowyer on February 09, 2012, 07:12:56 am

Howah! Your pumping out bows at an industrial rate! I feel Lazy now just sitting here checking out your bows. :P

Title: Re: Hickory-backed purpleheart
Post by: lesken2011 on February 09, 2012, 09:48:51 am

Lookin good, so far. That should be a pretty one when she gets done. I can't wait to see the finished pics.