Dimensions for a Hickory Pyramid Bow

How to make a Bow, a String or a Set of Arrows. Making equipment & tools for use in Traditional Archery and Bowhunting.

Moderator: Moderators

Post Reply
Message
Author
Sabinus
Posts: 138
Joined: Tue Mar 26, 2013 8:56 pm

Dimensions for a Hickory Pyramid Bow

#1 Post by Sabinus » Tue Oct 21, 2014 9:41 pm

Hey guys, I need a little bit of advice. I have a 70"x1 7/8"x 7/8" hickory board and was roughing it into a fairly standard flat bow shape. I've noticed a fine split running with the grain in the side of the board as well as a small knot. I think I could cut this area away and avoid trouble if I adapted my layout to a pyramid design.

My question is, is 1 7/8" at the fades , wide enough for a pyramid bow? I'll be looking for 50lb+ @ 28". I know an even 2-2 1/2" would be in really safe territory, but am hoping my planned length (68"ntn) may offset this bit. I also want to try heat tempering the belly of this bow, and I've read in TBB4 that a tempered belly allows for narrower than normal limbs. I'm not trying to push the envelope too far-am I? As always I plan on backing this bow for explosion insurance, this time with 100% linen fabric.

What do you guys think?

User avatar
greybeard
Supporter
Supporter
Posts: 2992
Joined: Tue Feb 07, 2006 9:11 am
Location: Logan City QLD

Re: Dimensions for a Hickory Pyramid Bow

#2 Post by greybeard » Wed Oct 22, 2014 12:21 pm

To pick up overall limb width run parallel from the handle for a few inches and then taper to the nocks.

As a result you will only lose the little triangular pieces on the fadeouts.

Hope the above makes sense.

Daryl.
"And you must not stick for a groat or twelvepence more than another man would give, if it be a good bow.
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken.
[Ascham]

“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]

I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....

User avatar
yeoman
Posts: 1563
Joined: Mon Mar 08, 2004 1:32 pm
Location: Canberra

Re: Dimensions for a Hickory Pyramid Bow

#3 Post by yeoman » Wed Oct 22, 2014 8:44 pm

A hickory pyramid bow 2" wide can be 50 lb when as short as 62".

As you get longer, the leverage increases. You might think that to increase weight you'd increase weight. But you actually need to increase thickness. I think your width should be fine for 50 lb as long as you make it thick enough. After all, 1 7/8 is only 3 mm less than 2 inches.

How is the grain in the board? You might not need a backing at all. If you do back, you would do well to heat treat first (the heat could soften the glue), and when you glue on the backing, pull the bow into some reasonable reflex first so as to get the fabric in pre-tension.
https://www.instagram.com/armworks_australia/

Bow making courses, knife making courses, armour making courses and more:
http://www.tharwavalleyforge.com/

Articles to start making bows:
http://www.tharwavalleyforge.com/index. ... /tutorials

Post Reply