Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: docmann on July 19, 2014, 08:46:03 am
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Ran onto a beautifully (naturally) reflexed Osage that lends itself to about 50-51" in total length. I've fashioned a horse bow with working handle and now on the home stretch with final tillering.
My dilemma is the draw length. I have a 28-29" draw length. I have made only a few short bows, but it seems I've heard that the draw length should never exceed 1/2 of bow's total length, which in this case would be about 25". This bow has all kinds of power and is holding its shape nicely through tillering. If like to make this a hunting bow and take it to 28". Any comments or ideas? Would like to hear from anybody, especially anyone with experience with short bows.
Thanks!!!!
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Most lose at least 1" of draw when shooting a working handle bow. Most rigid handle bows have 1.5-2" deep grips. Most working grips are under 3/4" deep. You will probably need 27" or so. If your bow is 50-51" in total length you will have 48-49" ntn. Even shorter.
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It took a minute or two for that to sink in, but you're right. Never occurred to me before just how that measurement would change with a working handle. Any reason I might not get 27" out of a 49.5" NTN? Thanks for your insight.
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Id add sinew if your intent on 27". I believe their is a stark difference between a bow simply holding together and a bow being healthy. There are a million opinions on it.
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Like Pearlie said, that is a pretty good Draw length for that short of a bow. If you don't sinew it and it holds together at that draw it will probably take a pretty good set due to wood stress, unless you have an exceptionly good piece of wood.
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I´ve done several osage- flightbows measuring 44" in length but 23" draw. 50" and 28" is real stress even for an osage- bow.
Sinew- back it as said above.
What about adding recurves or otherwise long small tips for to get about 60" in length?
Michael