BBI How narrow can you go?

[Knawbone]

I thought I read some where that a bow made from Ipe can be made quite narrow. If this is true, how narrow can you go on say a bow 64" long & 55lb @ 26" I'm thinking board bow with BB or Hickory backing.

[soopernate]

I have a BBI that is [email protected] at 7/8 inch wide form midlimb to midlimb

[fujimo]

i build mine 1.25' at fade tapering to 3/8' at the  nocks- in a pyramid style- bend thru the handle.- simple , practical and light-
thats not to say that the other designs are not- thats just what i like-
but i like to shoot heavier arrows, and the narrow light tips-help negate the handshock associated  with such  light bows.

[StoneAK]

I have an Ipe stave coming I was wondering the same thing. I thought I would stay at an 1 1/2" or so. Gonna back it with Bamboo

[fujimo]

i also glue in some reflex at glue up- i surely love these bows.
i keep the bellies flat!!- have seen them crowned but then they do take a little set- but thats ok too.

[StoneAK]

I wanted to reflex the tips on mine as well. Do you have any pics of yours fujimo?

[vanillabear?]

[StoneAK]

Thanks I may try and go smaller than 1 1/2 to keep the ipe thickened up

[vanillabear?]

[Pat B]

You can easily get a 60# bow with a BBI that is 3/4" to 1 3/8" wide. Be careful and don't add too much reflex with a narrow bow because it becoomes a bit unstable and can be difficult to brace. I wouldn't go wider than 1 3/8" for BBI.

[okie64]

What Pat said. I made a hickory elb one time an inch wide at the widest point and heated in a couple inches of reflex, it was very unstable and tries to flip itself around backwards all the time.

[Knawbone]

THANKS EVERYBODY I"LL HAVE TO BUILD ME ONE CAUSE I LOVE A NARROW BOW

[hillbilly61]

I've built a few of these skinny BBI.1 was 1" wide and 2 that are 3/4 here's a pic of the 3/4 45@ 27 It can be done and a pleasure to shoot