New to Bow building advice.

[Jakeemt]

Hey fella's I have been off this site for the last year. A change in my financial status forced me to sell off my trad gear. However, as I am beginning to get a handle on the situation and rebuild, I have been dying to get back in the game! I have always wanted to build my own bows and now seems as a good a time as any. So I have decided to give it a shot. I have been gathering some tools over the last few months and am nearly ready. I have also read the first volume of tbb and about a gazillion net posts. I wanted to run my specs by you and see if you think they are sound and then ask a few practical questions. I am planning to build a pyramid type board bow 1/2" in thickness, 66"in length, 2 1/2" at the fades and narrowing to 3/8's or so at the nock. Intended draw length is 28# and weight 45-50#. I plan on building this from a hickory board. Do these dimensions seem sound? Also I live in MO and it can get quite humid here do you think that will be an issue with a wood like hickory? Finally I was planning on keeping the bow unbacked do you fellows think that is suitable for a bow of this type assuming straight gran with no knots or run out?

Thank you,
Jake

[takefive]

I've only made one hickory pyramid bow from a board, but your measurements sound good to me for your draw and the weight you're trying for.  Definitely don't need to back it if it's straight grained hickory.  I've heard that hickory will soak up moisture, though.  Guess you could keep it in an air conditioned room if you have one, between working on it.  Or build a small drying box with a 75W bulb to keep the wood warm.  I have a cheap digital RH/Temp meter that comes in handy.  Good luck!

[LittleBen]

Sounds pretty reasonable. Shouldn't have any problem reaching that draw weight and length.

My only suggestion is to start with a 3/4" thick board. I think your limb thickness will end up around 1/2" but you want the handle section thicker so that the riser block doesn't pop off. So start with a 3/4" board and thin the limbs down to 1/2" or so to start tillering.

Sam Harper gives a good explanation on this page. It's talking about a backed bow, but the same principle applies to an I backed board too. In particular see the last photo on the page.
 http://poorfolkbows.com/ipe1.htm

[macbow]

Hi Jake, good luck sound like a good plan.
If you could make it to Marshall Mo. For MOJAM July, 18 to 20
You would learn a lot. Even one day would be good.

I mostly make Bamboo backed bows. You'd be welcome to visit and make or talk bows.

[Jakeemt]

Cool thanks guys!

[Wolftrail]

My experience would be to keep the thickness around 7/16"
with 1 3/4" to 2" at the fades