Author Topic: how much above center for shelf? (Read 448 times)

TroyH · « **on:** January 07, 2008, 08:59:00 AM »

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 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 07, 2008, 12:03:00 PM »

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 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 07, 2008, 12:43:00 PM »

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

Orion · « **Reply #3 on:** January 07, 2008, 12:47:00 PM »

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.