Looking at one of Dick's forward scouts got me thinking...
Nice looking bow by the way Dick!
What about a forward handled takedown with straight limbs that point a little forward?
I have never seen this.
Makes me feel it's most likely an old idea that's been discarded for good reason.
Or...I just haven't been looking long enough..lol
Here's a very rough pic of what I'm thinking.
In truth, I feel this pic has the limbs angled way too far forward, but it gives the idea.
The second pic w/ green limbs is closer to what I'm thinking.
I guess my thought was trying to make a 3 pc "hill" style bow with some more preload.
Seems to me making a bow with straight limbs might be a whole lot easier than curved.
Thanks for the input.
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx121/Zradix/takedownidea1.jpg)
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx121/Zradix/takedownidea2.jpg)
build it and let us all see.
my first question is how do you get it to brace height. other than that, i;d love to see it.
From a design point, I think you might run into problems at the limb/riser connection. If you use the traditional pin and screw set up a limb that is not stiff enough can pull away from the riser and smack back when loosed. If you reverse the pin and bolt you have made a nice second class lever which would want to pull the bolt out. But we see the same problem in a traditional take down. My bet is provided the limbs have a stiff enough base and the retaining system is sound enough there would be very few problems. Give it a shot?
Interesting... my objection would be that I don't much like the looks of it (or most three piece bows) and would be a pain in the ... to build compared to a true traditional bow.
That said, I'm actually working on just about what you suggest, a Forward Scout with reflexed limbs. Won't be takedown, though, because I use the hinge takedown system and it doesn't work on a curved riser. My suspicion is that this bow won't accomplish much in terms of difference from a standard Scout, maybe a few fps. I have parts ground out but won't be able to get it laid up for a few weeks.
I'm sure myself and others will be interested in what you find.
My thought was it might stack a little less because of the string angle being better.
I've never shot a straight limbed bow.
one of those things on my need to do list.
I've been reading the HH bug thread quite a bit among others to try to get a understanding of hoe they feel.
Sounds like they might have a little more shock than other designs...or they might not...lol
I'm just trying to figure out how to build a nice forgiving bow that will be fairly easy to build.
I don't have barrel sanders or other nice tools to use. I'm worried about getting the fades of the riser nice by hand.
Also, don't have tools for making a nice curved mold for curved limbs.
I do have a nice table saw could use to make square limb seats though.
And I do have flat things I could use for straight limbs...and you can buy wedges pre made.
I'd like a bow 64" or so long... Though I think I'll need longer as I draw 28" from the grip to the string.
While writing this I thought about a straight limbed bow with a short "kink" in the tip.
Almost like a static recurve just much shorter.
But still have no string/limb contact at brace.
Heck I don't know...lol
I just don't want to spend $$$ on something that doesn't shoot well...lol
All in effort to have a better string angle.
It will add preload for sure, but it will also make the bow less stable and less forgiving while drawing. I guess it will probably have the same characteristics like a pure reflex design. An experienced shooter with proper form will be able to shoot it consistent. But personally I prefer a bow that is easy to shoot and has power. IMHO the best design for a longbow/hybrid bow is the deflex/reflex profile, because it combines stability ( forward riser ) with power ( reflexed limbs ).
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Andy
Apex makes a nice rear mounted take down sure he'd offer up some sound advice
Bear made some heavily reflexed bows like that. They would shake your teeth out.
God bless you all, Steve