tiller/weight reduction question

[portugeejn]

I have been working on a yew longbow (really more of a flatbow than an ELB).  Worked on the tiller and weight and got it to where I wanted it.  Tempered the belly and put a little reflex in the bow.  After it was tempered and reflexed, I decided to back it with rawhide, as the back wasn't perfect (some violation of the growth rings) and yew is pretty soft anyway.  About 2" of reflex, which disappeared after it had been strung and pulled a few times.  The backing job turned out good, but.....

The bow is now heavier than I want or need.  It was 52 @ 27", which was just about perfect for me.  It is now 40 @ 20", which I am thinking is going to make it too heavy for me.  I haven't pulled it past 40# yet.  

So, do I thin the limbs or make them narrower, or some of each?  Thanks for the advice.

RonP

[Pat B]

You can reduce the weight just as you did before, from the belly. If you think it will be too thin you can bring the sides in a bit to reduce weight. If you pulled it to 27" before you should be able to pull it there again or at least until you hit your desired weight. That way you will have a better feeling as to how much farther you need to reduce the weight.
   On yew, a little ring violation is OK. Yew can handle it, unlike other woods.   Pat

[George Tsoukalas]

Assuming no stacking that would bring you to about 58#. I'd gently bring it to 52 @ 26 inches and then ease it in to 27 in. That gives you some sanding room if you want 52#. Jawge
 http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/

[Roy Steele]

PAT said all.

[Roy Steele]

PAT said all.