Selfbow question?

Brian CS · December 28, 2011, 12:34:00 PM

Im planning on buying a stave for my 2nd bow build, it will be my first stave type selfbow. I would like to make a short brush hunter maybe 54" to 58" range around #50 @28". I would like to know what your suggestions would be for a good stave wood type to start with? I have very good woodworking skill just not much experiance with bow making. Thanks

Pat B · December 28, 2011, 12:40:00 PM

Osage!
However, being this will be only your second bow I would suggest the bow be longer, like 60" to 64" long for a 28" draw. 54" to 58" would be a difficult length for even an experienced bowyer.

Stiks-n-Strings · December 28, 2011, 12:46:00 PM

Brian I would go with Osage for sure.
You should build a bend through the handle design going that short at 28" draw. It is doable for sure.

I wouldn't go any shorter than the 58" for now.

Matter of fact I would lay it out at 60" in case she comes in a little under weight that way you can pike the tips if needed.

I have a very extensive back ground in wood working as well and I started building bows about 2.5 years ago. It's a different animal for sure. I'm sure your hooked. And I'm sure you'll do fine.

Just keep coming back here during your build and you'll get all the help and advice you will ever need.

Kris

Stiks-n-Strings · December 28, 2011, 12:52:00 PM

Brian Pat is right on.

I do like the shorter bows myself and tend to push things to far sometimes. LOL

60" gives you a 57-58" braced bow and is pleasant to shoot and a more reliable build at your experience.

Funny how 2" changes so much in bow building but it makes all the difference sometimes

Brian CS · December 28, 2011, 12:53:00 PM

I am hooked for sure, glad I asked I will shoot for 60" range then. I plan on doing a build along throughout with plenty of pics, Im sure I'll be back with some how to questions. I looked at some staves from Pine Hollow, is this a good source or are there any other sources you would recomend? Thanks guys

Stiks-n-Strings · December 28, 2011, 12:55:00 PM

Mike is a fine fellow to deal with and will treat you great. Also John Scifres here sells staves and is a sponsor.

There are severals. But ask here before you buy so you don't get took.

Roy from Pa · December 28, 2011, 12:57:00 PM

Pine Hollow is a good choice as would be Gary Davis. I also would stay at 60 or above. 62 to 64 is sweet.

Brian CS · December 28, 2011, 01:22:00 PM

Walt Francis · December 28, 2011, 03:04:00 PM

I build most of my bows with osage at 58-60 inches with a non bending handle. With that noted, I strongly recommend you follow the advise given by Pat and the others. I built a dozen bows before attempting a 60". In retrospect, I believe I would have been successful building a shorter bow after the first 5 or 6 bows, but it would have been even less efficient and followed the string more then my first short one. As a bow gets shorter, the difficulty to tiller it increases exponentially. With the increased difficulty, the chance to make mistakes is amplified while the window to correct them becomes extremely small or nonexistent. Everybody's learning curve will differ, but until the basics are honed you may want to allow for the chance to make some corrections.

Brian CS · December 28, 2011, 04:03:00 PM

I will take all advice mentioned and go with a longer design for my first, I dont need any osage fire wood lol. It's nice to have a path to follow with all the great input on here. Rite after our deer season ends here in Pa I'll order the stave for a nice winter project. Much appreciated fellas thank you.

Stiks-n-Strings · December 28, 2011, 07:42:00 PM

be sure and post pics :D

Brian CS · December 28, 2011, 08:21:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Stiks-n-Strings:
be sure and post pics :D

Will do.

ozarkcherrybow1 · December 28, 2011, 10:22:00 PM

The "bowyers challenge" That Dean Torges did a few years back, had some great bow designs entered for a short bow. I would also recommend looking back at some of the entries there. They may give you some great ideas and something to shoot for....Terry

Brian CS · December 28, 2011, 10:33:00 PM

For some reason I cant find the bowyers challenge do you know where I should look for it?

ozarkcherrybow1 · December 28, 2011, 10:41:00 PM

Sorry, that may have only been published on another site. Timo was the winner with an osage bow. I know Mike Westvang had an entry with a bamboo bow. ...Maybe some one else could help me out here?

Roy from Pa · December 28, 2011, 10:48:00 PM

A longer bow will draw smoother, shoot faster, be more accurate, and be quieter. And be easier to tiller.

Brian CS · December 28, 2011, 11:18:00 PM

Roy sounds like a longer bow will suit my experiance level a bit better, gonna shoot for 64".

Roy from Pa · December 28, 2011, 11:23:00 PM

64 is a wise choice Brian. Looking forward to the pictures.

PEARL DRUMS · December 29, 2011, 08:06:00 AM

Build a 62-64" bow for your first bow as many pro's have mentioned. Something tells me your concerned about room to move in yor stand because your used to a 32" wheelie. If you want to begin hunting with these types of bows you need to let that thought go and start hunting and placing stands according to your bow of chose. Short bows are fun to shoot and build, but I always seem to grab my longer flat bows when hunting season comes around. Longer bows are generally faster as well.

Brian CS · December 29, 2011, 10:09:00 AM

I only ground hunt so a tree stand isn't an issue, I have been using my 68" bow for deer hunting this year and it really dosnt seem to bother me switching over from the compound. I guess I was trying to get best of both worlds already having a 68" bow and making a shorter bow for different type of hunting situations. But hey like you said I have to pick my stand locations that accommodate the longbow because after making and shooting the longbow my compound days have come to an end. I just wanna do what's rite and make a good shooter, with all the good advice I think I'll do fine.