Bow reduction questions

[cvarcher]

This longbow is 68" NTN with a pull wt of 43lbs @28" and its a slug. I know theres some basic formulas if you reduce the width of the limb and reduce the length (NTN) of the bow .How much gain in weight if I shorten it 2" to 66" NTN and how much can I take off narrowing the upper parts of the limbs .It has wide limbs near the nocks and I figured narrowing it a bit may help speed things up and bring the weight back down . Also could I incorporate a trapezoid shape as well since this one is just rectangular in cross section.?

[Pat B]

I assume this is a wood bow. What wood are you using?  I believe you can gain about 5# pre inch when you shorten your bow. Heavy tips will slow a bow down considerably and add hand shock. If your tips are thick enough you can take the width down to almost needles. You will just have to remove a little from each side test it and remove more until they begin to bend slightly. You can add a trapiziodal cross section to your bow but you will probably loose some draw weight. It depends on the wood you used as to weather it will be effective or not. Some woods will favor a wider back and narrower belly and others will favor a wider belly. You can also kick the tips up a bit and increase cast.   Pat

[Orion]

If it's a glass laminated bow, on that weight/length, two inches will probably add 2#-4#.  Tapering the tips a little won't have much of an effect.  Trapping the limbs will take off even more weight.  Don't do it if you're looking to get a heavier bow.  Good luck.

[cvarcher]

Gee only a 2-4lb gain by shortening the length by 2 inches! I thought it would be more.Yes its a glassed bow with 2 lams of bamboo.I would bet the upper parts of the limbs could use 1/8" cut in width.I dont get much handshock but the string sure buzzes .Bow has a 16 strand string even though its only 43lbs.