i'm still new to making bows, specifically laminated d/r longbows, and i am satisfied with most of my work. the one area that i seem to be struggling most is the tips and the string grooves. on my first and only complete bow the string was getting rubbed to the point that it broke. so i got some advice on here and followed it the best i understood. i thought i had the problem fixed when this morning yet another string broke at the loop. so, i went back and re looked at the advice and took off some more wood and now i think i really have it fixed. only time will tell. an help, and pics would be greatly appreciated.
thanks,eric

Show us pics of what you have and we can go from there.
 I used to live in Athens in the early 70's. Cool town...at least back in the 70's. d;^)

Here are a few. You have a create a smooth cradle basically for the string to set in when the bows braced and when it's drawn.

Nice tips Dano!

Good grief,what did I just say?   :eek:

I allways use horn or bone for my nocks... Because..because i just love horn and bone      
This is from my Ash 130# warbow/ flightbow. Buffalo..
 

This is from my try to copy a "Hill" Camelbone and buffalo.
 

And this is camelbone too.. (Second try on a "Hill")
 

Gee thanks Kenny   :rolleyes:  

Nice work Frode.  

these are some fantastic tips. i was wondering if maybe you guys could show me the other side also. as this seems to be where my problem lies. i'll try to get dome pics up of mine as soon as i can.
thanks, eric

Just make sure it's round and you don't have any sharp edges.  I also rasp away the groove on the top end so the string will have more freedom to slide when the bow is drawn.

Camelbone/Buffalo
 

Camelbone
 

Buffalo
 

 

Nice tips Marty!!

Kenny, it's tips not nips.  

these are some great tips guys. i have a question now. is the a set angle that you use when cutting you string grooves? also could you show me some pics of the grooves coming around to the belly, with no string. thats what i like least on my bow.
thanks, eric

The angle will vary with the length of the bow, I like to use about a 35-40 deg angle.


I like to also cut the groove up toward 90 degs to allow string travel at full draw.

Black Walnut & Shagbark Hickory



Bubinga & Osage


Dennis

This bow is the one I am currently working on and isn't finished yet.

Black Walnut & Deer Antler





Dennis

these are some great tips guys. please keep them coming.