Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Ifrit617 on April 29, 2013, 07:57:32 pm
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Hey guys,
Do you reduce the belly taper (thickness) or the side taper (width) first? Why do you prefer one way over the other? I like to reduce the belly first, then cut the front profile, since I think it gives me a more even thickness taper. Just curious what others do and why.
Jon
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Side taper profile first, then belly thickness taper for me. I have profile templates for all of my bow designs. Just the way I do it... I don't think it matters that much, as long as your tapers are reasonably even.
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I do the sides first, less to remove on the belly that way
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I do the sides first, less to remove on the belly that way
x2
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I like to do the sides first because then it seems easier to remove wood off the belly and it also I just like to see what the bows gonna look like when I'm finished
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Always have done sides first. As already said I dont think it matters either way.
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Sides, I work with hand tools and every shaving counts.
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On board bow I reduce the belly first then cut the profile.this way I can mark it all out @ once.doesn't matter bout the extra wood cuz I use power tools,with a young family I have to go like the wind!lol!
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Sides first always. If you leave the sides "rough" and work the belly down to a proper tiller you will lose a bunch of weight and possibly screw the tiller up as well. Not to mention its easier to layout your thickness profile on a clean edge and not a split edge.
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I cut out the profile (width) first. It is easier to get thickness of limbs more accurate.
Greg
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I cut out the bows back profile first them remove wood from the belly side of the limbs until both limbs bend evenly and together at the draw length and weight I desire.
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Pretty much always the sides first. If the belly is real deep I kinda reduce it somewhat with a hatchet to maybe 1" thick rough out
but always clean up side profile to lay out thickness taper before thinning belly close to taper lines.
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Sides first, much less ring chasing and back cleaning on the back of an ELB.
BUT on an ELB leave the tips fairly wide to avoid twist/alignment issues.
In the early stages and elb is so near same width as depth it can try to twist/bend sideways.
Del
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I tend to come at it in stages. I do the sides to reasonably close, then reduce thickness to get it floor-tillered, then revisit the sides with greater attention to detail, dialing them in with a cabinet scraper. Then tiller from the belly. Reduce weight from the sides.
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sides first and then belly. less wood removal for the belly. SSS
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I like to do it in stages also, I feel like it gets me more in touch with the stave. I use my draw knife to reduce the entire stave and have everything clean and shiny for a better inspection. At this point I reduce the sides to roughly what the bow will look like and then reduce the belly till it flexes a bit, then I go back to the sides and get them closer. All I lay out is the handle area and everything else I go by eye.
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Like Carson and Badger, I do it in stages. Draw the whole thing out, and work down the sides leaving it 1/8" or so wider than my lines on each side. Then I work on the belly till it bends a little at floor tiller. I then go back to the sides where I can take off the extra width or leave it if I need it for what ever reason. Sometimes I do need it, due to a knot on the bellies edge or some other somethin' somethin' I missed.
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Sides first. Then belly. Then sides again if needed so as not to make the limbs too thin. Jawge
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Sides first. Then belly. Then sides again if needed so as not to make the limbs too thin. Jawge
I think you expressed it best George.
IMO, it's always in stages like that. (mayby a little less so with lamiantes or boards)
Wouldn't want some poor newbie thinking we completely finish the sides before even taking the bark off :o ;)
Del
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Wouldn't want some poor newbie thinking we completely finish the sides before even taking the bark off :o ;)
Del
now you tell me. :P SS
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Sides first. Then belly. Then sides again if needed so as not to make the limbs too thin. Jawge
+2
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I kind of remove it all at the same time, but i usually shoot the bow before i get the final width taper.