Putting reflex into an elm board

Started by takefive, August 01, 2014, 09:22:00 PM

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takefive

I'm working on a rough sawn elm board, trying to make a 66" long flatbow.  It's a wide, flat sawn board and I cut the center 1 3/4" width out of it and was able to scrape it down to one unbroken ring, except for some violation in the handle area where it has a small hump.  Anyway, the tips are deflexed about 3/4".
I'd like to heat bend 2 or 3" of reflex into the tips.  Does it matter much if I just flip the last 6-8" or would it be better to go for more of a R/D profile and bend 'em 10-12" from the tips?
It's hard to make a wooden bow which isn't beautiful, even if it's ugly.
-Tim Baker

Pat B

I'd flip the last 6" - 8" of the tips first then reflex the rest of the bow about 3" or so. Elm reacts well to heat tempering and you can do that when you reflex it.
1 3/4" might be a bit too much width. maybe
1 5/8" and reduce more if the limbs get too thin.
What weight are you shooting for?
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!
TGMM Family of the Bow

takefive

Thanks Pat.  I'll narrow it to 1 5/8" for starters.  I'm only shooting for 45 pounds.
It's hard to make a wooden bow which isn't beautiful, even if it's ugly.
-Tim Baker

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