This was suppose to be a 66" bow, however, I had a little problem with my ability with a power tool, now it is a 54" bow. The tips are .5" and the wides part of the bow is 1.5". The handle is 5", with a 2" fade.
Any suggestions?
(http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u48/Thaihunter/Bows/DSCN1379.jpg)
(http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u48/Thaihunter/Bows/DSCN1378.jpg)
(http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u48/Thaihunter/Bows/DSCN1377.jpg)
Is that green or white ash? I worked with some black ash early in my bow making adventures only to discover that is chrysals??? badly. Then talked to others and found that problem is common with black ash. Otherwise have fun.
Brent
Its white ash. Worked on it last night, just going to take my time. Don't think I can make the handle smaller, hopefully I can get the limb to bend without breaking. Hopefully, I can a 40lb bow.
Kids bows are NEVER a disappointment to the child that gets one....just a thought?
What draw length are you looking for? A ash bow that length could handle around a 24" draw if designed and tillered properly, but not alot more without backing. Shortening the handle as part of the original design might have helped, but that's not an option. If I was determined to have a 40# out of this one (my draw is 26"), I'd back it with rawhide, or heavy linen. If this was my piece of wood, I'd second soopernate's suggestion and make a bow drawing 22" and around 30#'s.
I think it will make a 40# bow at maybe a 26" draw. 28" is pushing it too hard I think. You need to get it bending as far into the fades as you dare. Make it less than 1/2" thick across the full limb. Try to do a holmegard design with those tips. You might consider adding a little flip to the tips and maybe some overlays. It's gonna stack like crazy if you don't do something to make the stingle angle less.
Thanks, I'll keep working on it. My draw is 26 but I can work with 24". If it get to light, my son will have a nice bow.
I'll post the finish product next week.
You may want to consider sinew backing it.Then you will safely be able to draw to 26" and increase the draw weight a few extra pounds. Unless the belly is perfectly flat,ash will chrysal.My first bow was ash of the same design as yours.Belly is covered with chrysals but still shooting after over 5000 shots.
Good advice above and let me add that you should put away power tools until you've made a 1/2 doz bows. You could also consider silk, linen or burlap for a backing. Jawge