Trad Gang

Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: TroyH on September 05, 2008, 08:01:00 PM

Title: Shortening a bow for more weight
Post by: TroyH on September 05, 2008, 08:01:00 PM
I've got a board bow that came in a little light on draw weight.  I know I can shorten it to gain weight, but about how much can be gained by taking an inch or two off the tips?
I know there are lots of variable so no exact answer can be given.
I'm just looking for a guestimation.
The bow now is pulling around 41# at 28.  I would really like to get it closer to 50#.
Any thoughts?
Title: Re: Shortening a bow for more weight
Post by: Dano on September 05, 2008, 08:19:00 PM
You should gain any where from 3 to 5 pounds per inch off each end.
Title: Re: Shortening a bow for more weight
Post by: Pat B on September 05, 2008, 10:32:00 PM
That's what I was thinking..3# to5# per inch.  What kind of wood is it? you may be able to heat treat the belly and gain a few more pounds.   Pat
Title: Re: Shortening a bow for more weight
Post by: Bjorn on September 06, 2008, 06:24:00 PM
Don't cut the bow yet.......rough in new string nocks 3/4 of an inch shorter at each end. Exercise the new set up a fair bit, and check your tiller braced and then at draw, if braced is to your liking.
Shoot the bow and see how you like it. Check draw weight too-even though that's just a number-how it feels is what counts.
If you need to go shorter still-you can do that too.
Do any final tillering and finish up the new length and tips.
Let us know how that goes.
Title: Re: Shortening a bow for more weight
Post by: Pat B on September 06, 2008, 09:35:00 PM
Bjorn nailed it! Sounds like very good advise.     Pat
Title: Re: Shortening a bow for more weight
Post by: Matt Stuckey on September 07, 2008, 10:03:00 PM
When doing this do you just file in new string nocks, or do you reduce width?  I guess moving 3/4 of an inch probably won't make a lot of difference width wise in may designs
Title: Re: Shortening a bow for more weight
Post by: George Tsoukalas on September 07, 2008, 10:16:00 PM
How long is the bow? How straight is the grain on the edge and face? Jawge