finished up my first bow. its a ipe n hickory backed . i was shooting off hand but im thinking about cutting in a shelf. i have read the other topic on how to cut it , but where ? i am a 3 under shooter im pulling 45-48# @ 30'' the bow is 70'' long and the width at the riser is 1 1/2''. im only thinking about cutting 1/2'' deep. now the question is where would be a good spot. center, above center, below center? how does the location of the shelf make a difference? thank you ahead of time

I highly suggest stacked up leather for a rest rather than making any cuts in the riser. Just my .02 cents. 1 1/2"-2" above center is good start. Shoot off your knuckle until the bow feels and shoots good, mark that spot and make that your shelf area.

thank you pearl drums, i will try the stucked up leather first

Its easier to remove or move down the road, plus you wont damage the integrity of the riser. It has the most stress on it.

I like both the leather stack as PEARL DRUMS suggested but also have done as Gordon Ferlitsch once illustrated.  Wrap the area first with serving and then gluing on a split and ground golf tee.  Wrap that handle with leather and you have a great looking, yet removable, shelf.

I cut shelves in all my bows. I think Pearly is just scared to try it  :D  .

Bow of that length, it's important to have it's limbs well timed. You're going to know it if'n it ain't! An 1 1/2" above dimensional center of the bow is pretty common for long bows. But for a bow of that length, and to achieve best timing for longer limbs, me personally, I'd go maybe 1 1/4" above center. An use a medium to slightly straight wrist grip........Art

I cut shelves in all my bows. I think Pearly is just scared to try it  :D  .

Bow of that length, it's important to have it's limbs well timed. You're going to know it if'n it ain't! An 1 1/2" above dimensional center of the bow is pretty common for long bows. But for a bow of that length, and to achieve best timing for longer limbs, me personally, I'd go maybe 1 1/4" above center. An use a medium to slightly straight wrist grip........Art

I aint skeer'ed Artsy! I have had a few bows that moved on me after a bunch of shots and I was able to move my "rest" up or down to get the tiller back on line. So now I always glue stacked up leather on.

Yeah, I reckon for someone's first bow, might be a good idea to go the with the leather shelf Pearly.

So here's how I lay mine out for a cut-in shelf. Old saying is, layout your arrow pass for how you intend to grip the bow, or, grip a bow however it's arrow pass was laid out. Once gripped accordingly, timing is automatic. Kinda  made that up, but does sound good don't you think    ..........Art

thank you every1 will the the stack leather 1st

Geeze who woke up the ole timer from WV?

Just don't try to sell him an osage stave...
What I meant to say was, I've used antler for a rest a couple of times, seemed to do well. But the last 3 received leather rests that worked real well.  Keenan has an interesting way of adding a rest that I like, too.

QuoteOriginally posted by Roy from Pa:
Geeze who woke up the ole timer from WV?    

Morning Son:)

 Morning Roy

Morning fellas!    1st day of bow season here!

Morning Joe! Another week here yet. How come you're not in the woods?

Gotta wait till this evening cause of a family event this morning. I am stir crazy at the moment!