[handirifle]

in reply to: Shooting form question #26377

I had kinda wondered about a video. I guess i would need to narrate, telling myself if a shot went high, low, leftbetc so i could see the cause/effect of the form i guess.

[handirifle]

in reply to: 40 pound draw weight for Deer #57325

Thanks for the feedback. I just re-read an old TBH magazine article on women using light bows, and how effective they have been. seems like always, it a matter of range and placememnt.

[handirifle]

in reply to: Brace Height tuning #55384

I have always started with a string about 3/4 to 1″ too long, and try shooting the bow, and twisting the string to find where the bow seems the quietest, shoots the smoothest and still does not slap your hand with every shot.

I prefer a lower brace height than most, because it makes for a quieter shot, and a lower brace height will add a little to arrow speed, due to the slightly longer power stroke.

[handirifle]

in reply to: Ignoramus (me) needs education #55267

+1 on what was said above, in addition, I would recommend you build a “board” bow, as you mentioned. I think it’s an excellent, and cheap way to get the feel of what you need to do. You can practice tillering, shaving the limbs and the best part is it doesn’t cost a fortune when you (and you will) screw it up.

For practice, I’d do to home depot or similar and get a 6ft piece of 1×3 oak, with good straight grain, few or no knots, and have at it.

You can back it with a thin strip of hickory and it becomes a very durable bow. Murray gaskins is a lso a good sorce of info, and supplies, for these types of bows.
Here’s a good article on board bows
http://www.murraygaskins.com/durable.html
http://www.murraygaskins.com/bow-bld.html

Do a search, for Murray. It looks like he’s letting the bow site fall aside a bit, might be the economy. Good luck and start carvin soon. It’s a blast.

[handirifle]

in reply to: Arrow shaft making #54073

Waters
Wow! I am impressed in many ways. I love how simply the shaft maker works. I THINK my doug fir boards are thicker than that but will have to see.

I also looked at your site, and kudos on the site and content. I don’t have much time this AM but will give it a thorough going over in the near future.

I’ve built a dozen or so wook (board bows) in the past and a fair number of glass laminated as well, but yours are nice looking bows.

What’s your favorite bow wood? What’s given you the least string follow?

Thanks for the post. I’d love to make a arrow jig like that.

[handirifle]

in reply to: Split or Cut #13515

Hickory is a PITA to split, but most everything I’ve read says for bow staves, split them.

I have read of guys that bandsaw theirs with good success. I guess what ever you have patience for.

[handirifle]

in reply to: Arrow shaft making #13510

I have seen the “plane” process before, and it sure is a more simple way. Might have to investigate a bit further on setting up the board. Simple is often more rewarding than fast.

I should know cause I’m simple:D

[handirifle]

in reply to: Arrow shaft making #54177

Boy this is starting to sound like work. I will have to rethink all this.

[handirifle]

in reply to: 40 pound draw weight for Deer #53209

Toddrvs
Thanks for your service, and sorry to hear of the injury. Thankfully it wasn’t one that cost you the hand.

I have had to go down in poundage due to arthritus. Congrats on your successes. I read an article, in TBH I believe, of a woman that killed her elk with a 35lb recurve. Like you said, it’s all about broadhead sharpness, and shot placement.

I used to have a 43lb Root recurve, that I placed fairly high up on a CA statewide traditional shoot with, but like an idiot sold it. I shot that bow better than any other bow I have owned, and I have to believe it’s due to poundage in a big way.

[handirifle]

in reply to: Arrow shaft making equipment #53198

I have read of this before, but it seems very tricky to get and keep them consistant from one shaft to the next.

I may look into one of the doweling tools. Seems like something like a power pencil sharpener would be just he trick. 😉

[handirifle]

in reply to: Would this design work? #40611

Thanks

[handirifle]

in reply to: Need help with Brace height #38743

Nothing wrong with the longer string. Try it before replacing it. Be advised it MIGHT contact the back of your hand, otherwise see how it shoots. I remember bows when I was a kid seemed to have a longer string on them, but it might be bad memory.

On the upside, a longer string means longer powerstroke which equals more arrow speed for the same poundage draw. I know that isn’t top priority for recurve shooters, but it doesn’t hurt.

I say if it does not hurt the hand or the way it shoots, leave it. A 6 1/4″ brace height isn’t unrealistic. The bows I have used shorter brace heights on, have seemed to shoot quieter as well.

[handirifle]

in reply to: Would this design work? #38736

Thanks. I have made a few glass laminated bows and the concept was the same, but wasn’t sure how a non-glass backed bow would do.

Out of curiosity, how wide did your limbs end up being for the 39lb weight?

[handirifle]

in reply to: Arrow shaft making equipment #38018

David Petersen wrote: Handirifle — I’m thinking you should bop this post over to the bowyer and arrowsmith forum, where you may encounter far more specific expertise … in particular, Fletcher. If it were me I’d make fine furniture from it and buy my shafts already turned. Best luck, dave p

David

Good points, and nothing has been ruled out just yet. Checking out my options.

bushmaster
Thanks for the link. Will investigate, and consider the costs. Retirement is fun, but doesn’t pay well.

[handirifle]

in reply to: Shooting Game Already Dead..issues? #22082

Greetings to all. First time poster, but have been an avid archer since I was a kid (long time ago) and this was the first post I read.

I have to say I agree with the OP, excellent post and obviously a heartfelt one, but like autopsies, they seem to be necessary evils. Imagine how little Dr’s would know if there were no post mortom exams/testing on humans. I place humans on the level God placed them, well above animals,but I still have respect for animals and while I have no qualms killing when necessary, I do not favor abuse. That said, I don’t consider testing on dead animals abuse, but it is necessary and better than testing new designs, for the first time, on live animals.

Some new designs I see of broadheads make me shudder at thinking of their performance on live tissue, but some guys keep designing and selling them on the “cool” factor alone.

Good post and like he said, I doubt this will ever get a unanimous agreement.

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