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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Escoffier1974 on June 22, 2012, 11:05:00 PM

Title: Board bow arrow shelf
Post by: Escoffier1974 on June 22, 2012, 11:05:00 PM
Good evening;

How deep (how close to the midline of the bow) do you cut an arrow shelf in a board bow?  I'm just starting my first one, and I'm planning on stacking up a few pieces of wood for the handle, and was wondering how deep I can cut the shelf.  From a previous thread, I know I can't go to center, but how close can I get?
If it matters, this one will be red oak.

Thanks,
D
Title: Re: Board bow arrow shelf
Post by: Sam Harper on June 23, 2012, 01:20:00 AM
That depends on how strong the bow is and how thick the handle is.  The thicker the handle, or the weaker the bow, the deeper you can cut.
Title: Re: Board bow arrow shelf
Post by: Escoffier1974 on June 23, 2012, 10:37:00 AM
I suppose I should have included that info.  I'm planning on about 50# @ 28", and the handle will be about 2" deep.

Thanks,
D
Title: Re: Board bow arrow shelf
Post by: Mike Most on June 23, 2012, 07:17:00 PM
Mine shoots 60# and I shoot it off the knuckle, that means no shelf. Didnt think I would like it but it shoots where ya look......
Title: Re: Board bow arrow shelf
Post by: Renacs on June 26, 2012, 10:52:00 PM
I've been wondering the same.  The few i've done with shelfs have had a handle  ~1" to a 1 1/4"deep and the shelf itself being about a 1/4"-3/8". And they a held fine. but i want to try smaller.  I'd pics but i'm out of town.
Title: Re: Board bow arrow shelf
Post by: John Scifres on June 27, 2012, 11:50:00 AM
2" deep? You can go as far as you like.  Just make sure you keep that for the full cut out.

Fo rthe times I have cut in a shelf, I have 1-1/4" thick/deep handle and like 1/2" - 5/8" wide shelf.
Title: Re: Board bow arrow shelf
Post by: bronco611 on June 29, 2012, 11:12:00 PM
I have made 5 board bows.The one for my nephew had a deer tine as an arrow rest, for his future father in law it had a turkey spur , mine and my sons bows have an add on wood shelf and I cut a shelf into my wifes bow. All in all I like the character of the spur and tine over the others.