Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: DC on June 17, 2018, 01:28:51 pm

Title: Narrowing limbs
Post by: DC on June 17, 2018, 01:28:51 pm
When you are narrowing limbs what kind of a cross section would you stop at, square, elb 5/8? This is a generic question but I'm thinking of more toward the outer limbs and tips.
Title: Re: Narrowing limbs
Post by: Badger on June 17, 2018, 04:16:54 pm
In the outer 8" or so I usually end up with an elb type cross section rounded belly.
Title: Re: Narrowing limbs
Post by: Dances with squirrels on June 18, 2018, 04:20:14 am
Same as Badger.

Even at its widest though, my whole bow belly is radiused, corners rounded, and then that ellipse cross section gets narrower and more rounded or elb-ish if you will as it nears the tips.

I don't stop if I can still see flats or corners anywhere. Actually, I usually lose those shapes about halfway through tillering.
Title: Re: Narrowing limbs
Post by: Eric Krewson on June 18, 2018, 06:45:00 am
Me too, very narrow round belly tips with a more depth.
Title: Re: Narrowing limbs
Post by: Aaron H on June 18, 2018, 07:39:20 am
When building statics, I like to keep the back narrow and my belly flat and wide (trapezoidal cross section),  and/or groove the belly so that the string has good surface contact to rest on.  Seems to help with string alignment for me. 
Title: Re: Narrowing limbs
Post by: Jim Davis on June 18, 2018, 08:58:27 am
I think it was Paul Klopsteg or Clarence Hickman who first warned against making the tips narrower than their depth. The tips are apt to warp off sideways in that configuration. I only tried it once, but the tips did take some sideways set.
Title: Re: Narrowing limbs
Post by: DC on June 18, 2018, 10:40:30 am
I figured that narrower than deep would be risky but I thought maybe square would be the saw off point but i'm happy with about 5/8. It would be a safety factor against twisting. I guess recurves are even more sensitive to this than a straight bow?
Title: Re: Narrowing limbs
Post by: George Tsoukalas on June 19, 2018, 07:11:17 am
I haven't thought about that. I just let it flow. :) Jawge