How to measure a take down recurve?

[perry f.]

I am in the process of making my first takedown recurve. I bought all my forms and tools from a guy getting out of bow making. I'm using his templates, but it doesn't state on them how long the bow is. I've had these for a while and have lost his number. It is based on a rocky mountain recurve with a 17" riser. Just wondered how to measure it so I'll know what length string I need. Thanks!

[Bradford]

A little more info on the form:  Is it a single limb form or is a both limbs at one time form?

You can make multiple sizes usually on one form.  I use a single limb at a time form I made.  Measure from back of form into the curve and up a bit.  I would imagine it will be somewhere around 26 to 30 inches.  By putting a small nail at the end of the form inwards an inch, you make a 2" shorter bow.  One more time at 2" in and you make a 4" shorter bow.

Hope this helps. hard to describe in words I guess.

[perry f.]

It is a single limb form. I understand I can make different length bows on same form, the thing I'm wondering is: say, My bow has a 17" riser and two 26" limbs, then what would the length of the bow be when finished.

[psychmonky]

...And if two bows are on a train that leaves St. Louis traveling at 62mph....

No wait, sorry. In all seriousness, If I understand correctly, you measure along the back of the bow.

Scott

[Bradford]

Yep!... that gives you the AMO measurement.

But remember.. if the limb by itself measures 26".. you need to deduct for the limb pad area.. say 4".. so then you would have 17" + 22" + 22" = 61" bow.  Or measure all together along the back.

[perry f.]

Thanks guys, I was thinking this but wanted to be sure.

[jess stuart]

Perry I build a bow very similar to the old Rocky Mountain Recurve.  According to the brochure I have the the 17" riser allows a 54", 56" or 60" bow, depending on limb length.  With 26" limbs and about 4.5" on the limb pad you will end up about 60"  Here is a pic of some I am finishing up, if I can help let me know.

[dmikeyj]

Perry- you could always use an extra long string with a bowyer's knot in on end to dial in the brace height.  Then all you do is measure the ntn distance for your string length.

Mike