Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: dylanholderman on December 16, 2014, 09:53:07 pm
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hey so i like a bendy handle bow simply for aesthetic reasons O:) but i had a idea for some shorter pieces of osage and possibly compression pine, that if i could splice them together and then have a solid backing of bamboo/hickory/maple then i could still make one with a bendy handle. will this work or am i missing something?
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People claim success with just unbacked billets in this configuration so you should be OK with a backing.
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I've made plenty of hickory an boo backed bows with the belly spliced at the handle and most of my bows bend to or through the handle. I like to feel a slight bend as I hit full draw.
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Me too. I've just finished up an elb with a spliced belly. A v-splice is the best for anything that is going to bend.
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I've been wondering if a layer of flax/linen just in the handle area would be a help. Maybe 10-12" long. I was thinking of doing the same with sinew but it might stretch to much to be of any use in this situation. I've got a couple of spliced-up staves waiting for me to work up the balls to tiller. :-[ :-[
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Keep in mind a bendy handle generally doesn't mean the handle bends the same as the limbs in a complete "c" shape, it just has to give a bit to serve its purpose. And, quality epoxy is much stronger than the wood. If the joint is well made and tight, there is no reason for it to blow.
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People have made bows up to 160lb bows with spliced handles and no backing that bend full compass through the handle. 7" z-splice is used for those, so you'll be fine.
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cool :D thanks so much everyone this opens up a lot more options for me ;D
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A good strong handle wrap, like hemp cordage will give you a little more confidence. I found that out by experimentation and experience. ;D