Eastern Red Cedar flatbow?

[kpete]

Got a hold of a nice clear piece of ERC and a hickory back. I would like some feedback on dimensions for a bow around 64", 50-55 lbs at 28. Hope to make a flatbow design possibly reflexed 2" to start.  Any comments?  and thanks to all in advance.

[Art B]

I haven't built a hickory backed ERC in quite some time but I remember their dimensions needed to be a little thicker than with white woods.

Probably an 1 1/2" width out to 6" past the fades and a straight taper on to the tips is about where I would start. Reason I suggested starting the side taper 6" past the fades is because of the reflex you intend to add. This is to help handle the added stress of the reflex.

Is this to be a working or rigid handle? Either way, around a 3/4" limb thickness will perhaps get you close either way. Art

[canopyboy]

I was planning on trying the same thing in the coming months.  Please post how it goes for you.

[kpete]

Art,
Thanks, and I hoped to have it be a rigid handle. I have little experience with the bend in the handle bows.  But, maybe I could learn something.

[mwirwicki]

ERC backed with hickory bows are tempermental to build.  Generally speaking, I often end up with a 40 pounder when I was seeking 50-55.  With a 2" reflex, you will get an early illusion that there is a need to remove a bunch of wood as it will seem quite heavy to draw in the long string stage.  Once you get the tips bending 6" evenly tillering should be with great care and hesitance to remove wood.  When final tillering is req'd, put all of your files, rasps, and drawshaves away.  Sandpaper and scrapers is all you will need to make tiller adjustments.  Do not rough out your stave to 64".  Start long, say 68 inches.  Invariably, you will over tiller and end up with light poundage.  The extra length will give you the ability to shorten the bow which will gain pounds back for you, provided your tiller is still good. Also, I would go not thicker than 1/8 inch on your hickory backing.  ERC tends to fret or chrysal on me.  Sometimes it will change the tiller and you will find yourself see-sawing your way into a light bow with tiny corrections.  If the fret isn't too bad, just live with it.  Also, your backing should be as flawless as possible.  50-55 pounders seem to stress the back quite a bit.  Any small pin knots on the hickory may tend to fail.

On the other hand, ERC/hickory backed bows are very quick in cast and beautiful when finished.  I don't intend to frighten you but just to caution you.  Whenever you feel the itch to hurry it along, get a bucket of water out and dip your head in it.  

Good Luck!

[kpete]

mwirwiki,
Thanks for the good advice.  The head in the bucket of water analogy has been pointed at me many times!  I might just drown!  I have two bows now that were aimed at 55 lbs and are in the forties.
Both ERC and hickory are quarter sawn.  No knots in either.  Any thoughts on width?
Kpete

[mwirwicki]

I would start out of the fades at 1-3/4 inches.  Run parallel to midlimb then taper to 1/2 inch tips.  Tip overlays are recommended.  Also, 66-68" overall length.