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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Knawbone on April 08, 2011, 11:13:00 PM

Title: BBI How narrow can you go?
Post by: Knawbone on April 08, 2011, 11:13:00 PM
I thought I read some where that a bow made from Ipe can be made quite narrow. If this is true, how narrow can you go on say a bow 64" long & 55lb @ 26" I'm thinking board bow with BB or Hickory backing.
Title: Re: BBI How narrow can you go?
Post by: soopernate on April 08, 2011, 11:17:00 PM
I have a BBI that is 55@28...right at 7/8 inch wide form midlimb to midlimb
Title: Re: BBI How narrow can you go?
Post by: fujimo on April 08, 2011, 11:43:00 PM
i build mine 1.25' at fade tapering to 3/8' at the  nocks- in a pyramid style- bend thru the handle.- simple , practical and light-
thats not to say that the other designs are not- thats just what i like-
but i like to shoot heavier arrows, and the narrow light tips-help negate the handshock associated  with such  light bows.
Title: Re: BBI How narrow can you go?
Post by: StoneAK on April 08, 2011, 11:46:00 PM
I have an Ipe stave coming I was wondering the same thing. I thought I would stay at an 1 1/2" or so. Gonna back it with Bamboo
Title: Re: BBI How narrow can you go?
Post by: fujimo on April 08, 2011, 11:51:00 PM
i also glue in some reflex at glue up- i surely love these bows.
i keep the bellies flat!!- have seen them crowned but then they do take a little set- but thats ok too.
Title: Re: BBI How narrow can you go?
Post by: StoneAK on April 08, 2011, 11:55:00 PM
I wanted to reflex the tips on mine as well. Do you have any pics of yours fujimo?
Title: Re: BBI How narrow can you go?
Post by: vanillabear? on April 09, 2011, 12:04:00 AM
Title: Re: BBI How narrow can you go?
Post by: StoneAK on April 09, 2011, 12:08:00 AM
Thanks I may try and go smaller than 1 1/2 to keep the ipe thickened up
Title: Re: BBI How narrow can you go?
Post by: vanillabear? on April 09, 2011, 12:23:00 AM
Title: Re: BBI How narrow can you go?
Post by: Pat B on April 09, 2011, 12:04:00 PM
You can easily get a 60# bow with a BBI that is 3/4" to 1 3/8" wide. Be careful and don't add too much reflex with a narrow bow because it becoomes a bit unstable and can be difficult to brace. I wouldn't go wider than 1 3/8" for BBI.
Title: Re: BBI How narrow can you go?
Post by: okie64 on April 09, 2011, 05:29:00 PM
What Pat said. I made a hickory elb one time an inch wide at the widest point and heated in a couple inches of reflex, it was very unstable and tries to flip itself around backwards all the time.
Title: Re: BBI How narrow can you go?
Post by: Knawbone on April 10, 2011, 11:50:00 AM
THANKS EVERYBODY I"LL HAVE TO BUILD ME ONE CAUSE I LOVE A NARROW BOW
Title: Re: BBI How narrow can you go?
Post by: hillbilly61 on April 12, 2011, 07:01:00 AM
I've built a few of these skinny BBI.1 was 1" wide and 2 that are 3/4 here's a pic of the 3/4 45@ 27 It can be done and a pleasure to shoot

 (http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh49/hillbilly061/Mobile%20Uploads/0208111641.jpg)
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh49/hillbilly061/Mobile%20Uploads/0208111640.jpg)