Radius for Semi-Recurve

[peter61]

Hi Tradgangers!
I want to build a straight limbed semi-recurve bow. Question is, which radius should I draw for the form?

Greetings, Peter

I found that on my Glass, R-D bows they start to hold a recurve at about the 28"  radius mark... There are a lot of variables though such as taper and such...  Plus You are building a straight limb so things will be a little different...  Hope this helps...

[peter61]

Thanx Shredd for the input.
The background for my question is, I would like to build a 50's recurve, which are more or less straight limbed, semi-recurves. So my idea is, no or less reflex and slight curves.
So, I'm open for all ideas!

[Sant-Ravenhill]

Not the original poster, but I would love to hear from others. Thanks.

[KenH]

I'd start drawing some straight lines that curve at the end and see what looks good to your eye.  My personal estimate would be a 6" radius.

[Mad Max]

Originally posted by KenH:
I'd start drawing some straight lines that curve at the end and see what looks good to your eye.  My personal estimate would be a 6" radius.

me 2

[Bowjunkie]

6" radius? 12" diameter? No. Too small, IMO. But many work... many are good.

Besides that... I don't like to see it referenced as a simple radius because I think most work better as accelerated curves, as it nears the tips.

[Mad Max]

KISS factor on this one

[KenH]

Ever see the recurved tips of a Scythian bow?  48" bow with recurves less than 4" in radius.  You're right, the recurves are usually not just tangential to the line of the limb, but I have seen some that way, and it's a good place to start -- 6" radius but only 1/4 of a circle...

[Mad Max]

I see what you are talking about.
pretty cool ken

[peter61]

Thanks for the input, guys!
You are very helpful.
Four inch radius and a quarter of a circle sounds good to me.

Gretings, Peter

[LittleBen]

Draw out the profile of the bow when it is strung as you want it, then measure the radius of curvature, then make it slightly smaller for the form since they will bend some when you string it.

K.I.S.S. .... keep it simple stupid.

[Loft]

Hi All
New here. Been lurking for a while, and could remember this thread:
 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=014115#000001

Just searched for “vintage”

Loft

[KenH]

I was trying to remember the name of that article!  Thanks for posting it!!