how much above center for shelf?

[TroyH]

I'm making my first self bow.  This one will have a shelf, but my question is, on the average how much above center is the shelf?

[ChristopherO]

The average hand is 4 inches wide.  That's a biblical "Handbreath", Pastor.  I center my handle but some like to have their top limb 1 1/2" longer and compensate the handle to accomadate that.  Either way, take your handwidth of 4", then add a bit of fudge room,  say, 1/2" to allow gloves and hand movement.  4 & 1/2" of handle, directly above that will be the shelf of your choice should work well.

[Tom Leemans]

If you can get a copy of "Hunting The Osage Bow" it will teach you volumes.

[Orion]

I've been measuring that specification on self and glass laminated longbows and recurves bows for the past 40 years, probably more than 100 bows.  The measurements ranged from 1 1/8 to 2 1/4 inches above the center of the bow.

[Tom Leemans]

Here's some interesting reading for you as well.
 tillering

[George Tsoukalas]

About 1.25 in above center. But this may vary according to the tiller  but not usually. Jawge