Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Picklegiant on August 12, 2015, 10:26:09 pm

Title: Handle Width and Arrow Shelf Depth
Post by: Picklegiant on August 12, 2015, 10:26:09 pm

Hi,

I have some questions about how much wood one can take off in certain places, how deep and an arrow shelf be and how narrow can a handle be?

Thanks

Title: Re: Handle Width and Arrow Shelf Depth
Post by: Pat B on August 12, 2015, 10:42:54 pm

I've seen handles as narrow as 3/4" or so but the handle area was deep and the handle was shaped with no abrupt curves. The cut out of the shelf is usually weak area. I think you can get a narrower throat by adding a rest to a properly shaped handle.

Title: Re: Handle Width and Arrow Shelf Depth
Post by: bubby on August 12, 2015, 10:44:11 pm

X2 with pat add a shelf and use the proper arrows

Title: Re: Handle Width and Arrow Shelf Depth
Post by: Picklegiant on August 12, 2015, 10:54:58 pm

So I shouldn't cut a shelf?

Title: Re: Handle Width and Arrow Shelf Depth
Post by: Pat B on August 12, 2015, 11:05:12 pm

Because of the sharp angles(relative) of the cut out shelf you are adding a built in weakness. All of the leverage of both limbs will concentrate on that weak area.
 There are folks that are successful with cut out shelves and I'm sure they will chime in to shoot me down.  ;D
Also, like bubby said, use proper arrows.

Title: Re: Handle Width and Arrow Shelf Depth
Post by: bubby on August 12, 2015, 11:10:50 pm

By proper arrows I'm referring to spine a properly spined arrow will shoot just as good as one being launched from a centershot bow

Title: Re: Handle Width and Arrow Shelf Depth
Post by: Picklegiant on August 13, 2015, 01:08:48 am

Ok I think I will use those arrows, as I am not comfortable with taking out soo much wood to a shelf :laugh:

Title: Re: Handle Width and Arrow Shelf Depth
Post by: Del the cat on August 13, 2015, 02:43:08 am

If you are just starting out making bows I'd say don't cut a shelf.
The English longbow doesn't have a shelf...
If you do insist on having one, leave it until the bow is almost finished, that way it can be cut to suit how the bow actually shoots.
Del