First board bow - some questions. IT CRACKED!

[CardboardDuck]

I started my second bow, but it's my first board bow. Tillering is going along nicely and I need to figure out what I am going to do with my handle. As of right now the handle is 1 3/4" by 1" thick, my question is-

How narrow can I cut the handle area? I was trying not to add another piece of wood to the handle area, but if I have to I will.

I would like to have a narrow handle, maybe build it up with leather and then wrap it. It is backed with linen and I am shooting for around #45 @ 28".

Thanks in advance.


 

 

[Red Tailed Hawk]

If the bow will be bending through the handle I would not narrow it.

Non bending handle you can narrow it a bit, How much I am not sure. Im sure someone with more experience then me will be along soon.

Good Luck :]

[PEARL DRUMS]

I prefer a 4" long handle, 1" wide by 1 1/2" deep or so. It feels good and is solid. Yours being 1" thick now means it will probably bend some at the bottom of your draw. You can simply glue another piece on now and shape it tomorrow. That will deepen it up and keep it rigid.

[macbow]

I like the 4 inch handle also. Add 2 inches for each fade area.
Since your all squared up yet adding a 3/4 inch piece would be easy. Then you'll have room to shape it.

[CardboardDuck]

Well... I heard a crack... The tiller looked good to me so I was just taking off material to drop the weight, I was holding the rope to take a picture and I heard a "creeeaaak"...

Here is where is was when it made the noise -
 

Here is the crack if you can see it.

 

Can this be fixed or should I just chalk it up to inexperience and make some firewood  

[PEARL DRUMS]

Left limb by chance?

[CardboardDuck]

Nope, it was the right limb, about 12" from the tip.

[PEARL DRUMS]

Your fades are stiff on both limbs causing your mids to work a little more than they should. A stave lets you get away with that until you get it adjusted, while boards most often wont. They can be very finicky even with good grain.

[CardboardDuck]

It's all part of the learning process I guess. On to bow number three!! I think I'll go back to laminated bows for the time being  

[Bjorn]

Don't let a board bow get you down-they break far more than staves IMO. Great to learn on and practice your building skills.

[Mike Most]

what kind of wood is that?

[CardboardDuck]

Hickory.

I think next time I will try a stave.