Bendy handle board bow question

[razorback]

I am planning a bend through the handle board bow out of some yellow birch that I have. I was wondering how thick the board needs to be to get a handle that will bend but still be strong enough to handle the stress. Also what is a good length for a bow like this.

[John Scifres]

3/4" should be fine.  I have made a bunch of red oak bendy handle boards that are 70" NTN with a 1-3/4" handle tapering to 1/2" nocks.  That should get 50 pounds from a good board.

[George Tsoukalas]

1.5 in wide by 3/4 inch thick. There's more info on my site. Jawge
 http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/

[razorback]

Thanks Guys. Am working on an Osage bow at the moment and then going to start this bow. What are the handle options for a bend through the handle bow. Bulbous seems the logical choice but are there others.

[ChristopherO]

If I am reading John's post correctly his style of handle IS the flat board 1 3/4" wide x 3/4" thick, like you will see in some Indian bows.  On those types there isn'a designated raised handle that is thinner than the limbs but the same width as the limbs.  Basically no fades.  I've seen these type of bows in museums, the traditional bower's bibles and in person.  TTBB4 has a photo of Isi shooting one similar to that if you've a chance to read it.
Correct me if I represented what you said wrong, John.

[George Tsoukalas]

Tuning may be an issue with a 1.75 in wide handle at lease for me. You can not narrow it more than 1.5 in for 3/4 in thick board. Jawge

[razorback]

Jawge. You say on your site, to have the belly taper go from the nock to the midpoint of the bow, for a bendy handle bow. Does this mean your design has a handle the is 1.5" wide. Seems that would be uncomfortable to shoot. I know the taper can be on the sides or belly to produce the bend. If I side taper to 4" from center and then fade out 2" to the 3/4 thickness of the board, how much would I be able to thin the handle to keep it bending an appropriate amount. I am cutting this board off a larger board so i can make it thicker than 3/4" if I need to.

[George Tsoukalas]

razorback, I have big hands so I can deal with it. You can go 1.25 in wide that will get you 45-50 whereas 1.5 in wide will get you 50-55# anyway. I measure out the handle going 2 in on either side of the center which gives me a 4 in handle. I start the taper at the end of the handle. The handle will still bend. Jawge