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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Powder on March 16, 2024, 01:15:41 PM

Title: Handle forward Cherry Tri-lam
Post by: Powder on March 16, 2024, 01:15:41 PM

I build, or try to build, a lot of bows. I stumbled onto tri-lams last year and they have been pretty much my "go-to"... Especially with suspect wood.

This is the second "handle forward" one I have made... And like the last one, seems to just be "better". Better draw, less stress on the wood, less shock, more hits, and more consistant hits even out to 30 yards...

This one is a cherry belly, black walnut core, and a hickory backing. 68" NTN, and just over 55LBS.

Quick, and quiet. I am starting a new cherry bow now for my wife... She is getting a true reverse handled ASL... Also out of the same woods.

Title: Re: Handle forward Cherry Tri-lam
Post by: Pat B on March 16, 2024, 03:10:30 PM

Nice reverse handle trilam.  :thumbsup:
Hickory is my favorite wood bow backing.

Title: Re: Handle forward Cherry Tri-lam
Post by: Powder on March 16, 2024, 04:40:43 PM

Thanks! I have never used any other wood than Hickory... I have used bamboo... But that's grass... I tried other wood backings in the past with poor results.

Title: Re: Handle forward Cherry Tri-lam
Post by: Bryan Adolphe on March 16, 2024, 09:46:43 PM

Very nice !

Title: Re: Handle forward Cherry Tri-lam
Post by: Kirkll on March 17, 2024, 11:27:54 AM

What is your draw length in that photo?

Title: Re: Handle forward Cherry Tri-lam
Post by: simk on March 17, 2024, 04:02:19 PM

Nice bow. I like that wavy and flowy handle design, proper craftsmanship!

Quote from: Powder on March 16, 2024, 01:15:41 PM

less stress on the wood, less shock

I think in the end you are shortening your draw by putting the handle forward, arent't you? Less energy stored and lower performance? A low braceheight could maybe compensate some?

I do use hardwood and bamboo backing. I like the hardwoods for the ease of use. Bamboo seems a lot stiffer, putting more stress on the belly. at the same time it needs less limb thickness for the same drawweight. The bows come out lighter in mass with bamboo and seem a little faster also. Preparing bamboo backing is a pain.
my 0.0002cents
Simon

Title: Re: Handle forward Cherry Tri-lam
Post by: Powder on March 18, 2024, 09:01:18 AM

Kirkll - While I did not avtually measure my draw in that photo... My normal draw is just short of 29 inches.

simk- I believe you are correct. Although I am still drawing the same as I always do, the one inch less of handle meat HAS to equate to a slightly shorter draw. And while on paper it should reduce performance, it is probably one of my faster bows... Cherry, if it holds, acts kinda like mulberry. It is so light, that mass principle rules are followed without even trying hard... And cherry seems to be VERY compression tolerant.

Biggest thing I did diffent from normal was thin my hickory backing more so than normal, and trap the bow.

Thanks for the kind words guys!

Jim

Title: Re: Handle forward Cherry Tri-lam
Post by: Mo_coon-catcher on March 18, 2024, 11:11:28 AM

Looks great! I may have to try a forward handle on my next glue up.

Kyle