Trad Gang
Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: LaBill67 on May 21, 2017, 08:50:00 PM
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Could someone point me in the right direction to obtain some working dimensions for the design of a paddle bow?
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You might wanna talk to KenH...
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Working dimensions for a paddle bow:
* 1-1/8 to 1-1/4" wide, 4-5" long handle
* Limbs are "spindle" shaped",
2.5" to 3.5" wide half way between fade and
nock, tapering to 3/8" pin nocks
* Limb thickness 1/4" to 3/8", sinew backed
* Length 42"- 46" tip to tip
* Draw length -- 22"-24"
Originals were almost invariably sinew backed. They were designed for hunting in THICK foliage at SHORT distances, often from a sitting position and drawn to the chest or bow arm shoulder.
If you make a bow more than 48" long, it's a Flat Bow, not a Paddle Bow regardless of the 'hourglass' shape of the limbs.
If you make the bow for more than 24" draw it's a Flat Bow not a Paddle Bow.
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Encyclopedia of Native American Bows, Arrows and Quivers By Jim Hamm and Steve Allely.
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Thanks Ken. I am thinking about using IPE with a hickory backing. What do you think about that combination?
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Not sure that that thin of backing will be much help -- rather think of it as a two-wood bow, back and belly in relatively equal amounts. Give it a try!