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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: MacRae on January 17, 2014, 01:43:00 PM

Title: Determining OAL
Post by: MacRae on January 17, 2014, 01:43:00 PM
Hello All!

I want to make myself a Hickory backed Ipe bow for next fall.  In the narrow, deep round belly style.

I have a 24" draw length (no hobbit jokes....well maybe a few)....and I want a draw weight of 60#@24".

Using something I saw:
24 + 24= 48
20% of 48 is 9.6.  Round to 10.

Therefore (if I understand this correctly) the bow should be an OAL of 58"?

What should to OAL be?  This is not my first bow however....

I am 64" tall...
Title: Re: Determining OAL
Post by: bornofmud on January 17, 2014, 01:47:00 PM
What is OAL?
Title: Re: Determining OAL
Post by: MacRae on January 17, 2014, 02:03:00 PM
OAL=Over All Length
Title: Re: Determining OAL
Post by: fujimo on January 17, 2014, 02:09:00 PM
depends whether you want the bow to bend thru the handle- or with a stiff handle. that will have a big effect on the OAL.
bend thru the handles can be shorter!
Title: Re: Determining OAL
Post by: MacRae on January 17, 2014, 02:18:00 PM
Stiff handle....
Title: Re: Determining OAL
Post by: macbow on January 17, 2014, 02:27:00 PM
If you make it longer the benefits would be smoothness of draw. I 'd recommend 62 to 64 inches.
Even with the shorter draw.
Title: Re: Determining OAL
Post by: fujimo on January 17, 2014, 02:34:00 PM
i think the formula was( might need correction here) 2x draw length plus 10" for stiff handle. and only plus 4" for bendy.
but nowdays i build them to the length that i want and like- as i do prefer a slightly longer bow anyway. as i figure if i can drag my 6'2" frame of pure muscle, sinew and good looks  :D  thru the bush, i can surely get my 64"to 68" longbow thru with me as well.
Title: Re: Determining OAL
Post by: fujimo on January 17, 2014, 02:35:00 PM
x2 what mac says!!!
Title: Re: Determining OAL
Post by: Roy from Pa on January 17, 2014, 02:38:00 PM
Agree with Macbow on 62. Shorter bows aren't as smooth all the way around as longer bows.
Title: Re: Determining OAL
Post by: Roy from Pa on January 17, 2014, 02:41:00 PM
as i figure if i can drag my 6'2" frame of pure muscle, sinew and good looks [Big Grin] thru the bush,

Wayne I don't know what kind of beer your drinking up there, but send me a case please? :)
Title: Re: Determining OAL
Post by: fujimo on January 17, 2014, 02:49:00 PM
way off the sissy pants beer here- good ol mountain moonshine!!
got a mate here the brews all his own'holy water'
he's an italiano- makes great "preserved" fruit. couple of cherries from a mason jar- whooo wee!!
not much to remember the next day!!!
Title: Re: Determining OAL
Post by: Roy from Pa on January 17, 2014, 02:59:00 PM
LOL, I understand. My best friend makes booze and adds 190 proof grain alcohol to it. Talk about a memory loss:) Can't remember anymore how many bows broke while tillering them out:)
Title: Re: Determining OAL
Post by: scars on January 17, 2014, 11:57:00 PM
Correct me if I am wrong but I thought that the formula you are using is a N2N total? If so than you would be at and oal of 60". And with a ipe rounded belly that should be a screamer.