Elm bow layout?

BHTGdogs · February 22, 2009, 05:27:00 PM

I have a 65 in. stave to work with and would like some ideas as to what is a good lay out to get a bow around 70lbs. Or a recurve in the 60lbs range. At 28in draw.

Pat B · February 22, 2009, 11:32:00 PM

Have you built a wood bow before? I see you have a red oak bow listed above. Elm makes an excellent bow, either straight limb or recurve. It would depend on your ability as to what the best design would be.

BHTGdogs · February 23, 2009, 12:49:00 AM

yes i have built a few got a hackberry static recuve and a couple board bows also got a hickory in the works. Just want to rough them out so they will dry faster and be close to the right dimensions.

Diamondback59 · February 23, 2009, 03:32:00 AM

id make a static recurve those elm static s are probley the fastest out there for all wood marc st louis hold s that crown also and iv had the idea of a hackberry static for a while now how about some pic s of ur s id relley like to see that brock

BHTGdogs · February 23, 2009, 10:06:00 AM

sorry cant do pix I only have internet through my phone.

Pat B · February 23, 2009, 10:11:00 AM

I would go 1 1/2" to 1 3/4" at the fades and out 6" to 8" then taper to 3/8" tips for the long bow and 1 3/4" to 2" out most of the limb for the recurve. Make the belly relatively flat for the long bow and dead flat with a rectangular cross section limbs for the recurve.
Marc St Louis builds beautiful high performance bows with elm. Pat

BHTGdogs · February 23, 2009, 01:01:00 PM

so start to taper 8 in from the fades?

BHTGdogs · February 23, 2009, 01:11:00 PM

also can I leave a ring of sap wood on the back

ChristopherO · February 23, 2009, 03:03:00 PM

Here is a thought, if you are looking to rough them out for drying purposes why don't you use the dimensions Pat gave above for the recurve and if you decide to go long bow you only need to take of limb width later.
I've not used Elm, yet, but with the hickory recurves I want at least 1 3/4" width. The current hickory recurve with the sinew curing is 1 7/8" +/-. I think Pat has hit it on the head.

Pat B · February 23, 2009, 03:12:00 PM

You should be using all sapwood. Is this a board or stave? If a stave, peel the bark and whats under it is the back of your bow.

BHTGdogs · February 23, 2009, 03:38:00 PM

its a stave can i have heart wood in the handle i wanted to try to get o two tone color bow

Roy Steele · February 23, 2009, 11:04:00 PM

I agree with PAT it should be all sap wood.His DIM.seams good to but I think you better start with 1 3/4 limbs.