Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: bow101 on November 17, 2014, 07:36:18 pm

Title: Bow weight
Post by: bow101 on November 17, 2014, 07:36:18 pm
I'am trying to figure out exactly the draw weight without going out and spending money.  I think my bathroom scale is accurate but any way.  If my bow is pulling 30# @ 22"  about what would it be around 28"  .. What is the average weight increase for every inch.   Is it 3-5#........ ::)
Title: Re: Bow weight
Post by: Springbuck on November 17, 2014, 07:39:27 pm
Is it a finished bow?  Bcause if not, it will change things.  Check your scale with something you know the weight of, such as two gallons of milk.  Then if it is close, fill a bucket with water or rocks to whatever weight you want, hook the string on the bucket and lift the bow handle.
Title: Re: Bow weight
Post by: Pat B on November 17, 2014, 07:55:22 pm
Generally 3# per inch but that is not cut in stone.
Title: Re: Bow weight
Post by: bow101 on November 17, 2014, 08:05:15 pm
Is it a finished bow?  Bcause if not, it will change things.  Check your scale with something you know the weight of, such as two gallons of milk.  Then if it is close, fill a bucket with water or rocks to whatever weight you want, hook the string on the bucket and lift the bow handle.

Its been done for the last 2 months.  I calibrated the scale with me on it @ 190#. Dry and clean.   ;D  The bow lifted the 27# dumbell at 22".........

Generally 3# per inch but that is not cut in stone.

I have to get back to you on that one.  I thought 3# per inch is a little on the low side especially after getting to full draw.  When I do it on the scale I'm getting about 56# @ 28"
Title: Re: Bow weight
Post by: turtle on November 17, 2014, 08:33:42 pm
Stand a board on end on your scale. Place handle of bow on end of board and push the string down to the full draw mark you put on the board. Read the scale and then subtract the weigjt of the bow and board.
Title: Re: Bow weight
Post by: Tyke on November 17, 2014, 08:39:30 pm
Liquids weigh 8lbs a gallon
Title: Re: Bow weight
Post by: Jim Davis on November 17, 2014, 09:41:18 pm
Liquids weigh 8lbs a gallon

WATER weighs 8 lbs per gallon. A gallon of Milk about 8.6 lbs. A gallon of vegetable oil weighs about 7.64 lbs. ---just for the record.
Title: Re: Bow weight
Post by: bow101 on November 17, 2014, 10:11:52 pm
Look for some weights at the thrift shop  I guess and get this issue straightened out once and for all.
Title: Re: Bow weight
Post by: Drewster on November 17, 2014, 10:15:06 pm
Water weights 8.34 lbs/gallon if you want to be precise.  I agree with Pat on the draw weight per inch.  Most bows I've checked are 2 1/2 to 3 lbs per inch of draw weight.  Yeah, check your scales and be consistent with your testing.
Title: Re: Bow weight
Post by: wizardgoat on November 17, 2014, 10:53:59 pm
I got a little digi scale from a big wood tool store for 20$
Much less scary than the bathroom scale method.
I know you said you don't want to spend money, but for me
it was money well spent.
And I can monitor the draw weight through the entire tillering process
Title: Re: Bow weight
Post by: Pat B on November 17, 2014, 11:58:21 pm
The actual draw weight shouldn't matter if you are building for yourself. Just make the bow comfortable for you to shoot.
Title: Re: Bow weight
Post by: JW_Halverson on November 17, 2014, 11:59:42 pm
The actual draw weight shouldn't matter if you are building for yourself. Just make the bow comfortable for you to shoot.

How is that for sheer practicality?
Title: Re: Bow weight
Post by: Pat B on November 18, 2014, 12:01:45 am
...and cheap too!   ;D
Title: Re: Bow weight
Post by: Pappy on November 18, 2014, 05:27:28 am
What Pat said. ;) :) and 3lbs per. inch is usually pretty close. :)
  Pappy
Title: Re: Bow weight
Post by: bradsmith2010 on November 18, 2014, 05:40:47 pm
most bows back in the day when used to make a living,, were not weighed 
Title: Re: Bow weight
Post by: bow101 on November 18, 2014, 07:28:03 pm
most bows back in the day when used to make a living,, were not weighed

True enough but I like to build them in the legal hunting weight range and here its 40# .  In Canada the Fish & Game officer can and will check a bow especially if he knows its hand made.