I have made 2 selfbows.One out of Osage and other out of Elm. Both finished at about 64" length. I have a couple of nice Hickory staves and would like to make a selfbow closer to 60". Draw weight 55-60 @26". Has anyone made short bows out of Hickory? Did you have to back them? I prefer not to. Would I have to make wider then 1 3/4"? Any info would be helpful.

With a 26" draw you can easily make an unbacked hickory bow that short.

Let the handle bend.

This one is made from hickory , 60 in ntn. and is 52# at 26 in. It bends through the fades. The handle area is 4 inches long, 1.25 in wide and 1 inch thick.

Thoughts of mine on selfbow length:   http://analogperiphery.blogspot.com/2008/06/selfbow-length.html

for a 26" draw and stiff handle, a 62" selfbow would be very reasonable. You could go a little shorter with careful tillering.


I recently made an osage bow that drew 30" and was 64" long.. and I think I was pushing it

Notice Jawge traces the full draw profile right on the wall so he can compare out of the corner of his eye.  :p

Yup and notice the slippers and sweats. You can't make one of these without them.    Jawge

Here's the other side.

Jawge - just sell me that one and I don't have to bother making one. Specs. are just about where I want to be. I have not made a bow that bent through the handle so I'll be back with questions.

Where do I buy a pair of slippers like that so I can get started?

Shamus - liked your blogspot.

Those are Red Sox slippers. Probably anywhere. Just don't buy them in New York. I was hoping that bow would make meat. Didn't even get a shot this year.    Jawge

Here she is finished.

Very nice Jawge! I have a pair of bear paw snow shoes just like them. Now if I can build my bow as nice as the one you built I'll be all set for some bunnie hunting this winter. Almost forgot, I got to go and buy a pair of those slippers.DO you think Yankee slippers would work? LOL

Nice bow, arrow, and snowshoes, George!  Very nice setup.    

Thanks, 4est trekker. Yes, Yankee slippers will work I think. LOL, Adirondackman, I guess so anyway. I sure wouldn't no though.    Jawge

Decided to go with a D style bow that will bend through the handle. Started on the stave last night. I might need some help with this one.