Board bow arrow shelf

[Escoffier1974]

Good evening;

How deep (how close to the midline of the bow) do you cut an arrow shelf in a board bow?  I'm just starting my first one, and I'm planning on stacking up a few pieces of wood for the handle, and was wondering how deep I can cut the shelf.  From a previous thread, I know I can't go to center, but how close can I get?
If it matters, this one will be red oak.

Thanks,
D

[Sam Harper]

That depends on how strong the bow is and how thick the handle is.  The thicker the handle, or the weaker the bow, the deeper you can cut.

[Escoffier1974]

I suppose I should have included that info.  I'm planning on about 50# @ 28", and the handle will be about 2" deep.

Thanks,
D

[Mike Most]

Mine shoots 60# and I shoot it off the knuckle, that means no shelf. Didnt think I would like it but it shoots where ya look......

[Renacs]

I've been wondering the same.  The few i've done with shelfs have had a handle  ~1" to a 1 1/4"deep and the shelf itself being about a 1/4"-3/8". And they a held fine. but i want to try smaller.  I'd pics but i'm out of town.

[John Scifres]

2" deep? You can go as far as you like.  Just make sure you keep that for the full cut out.

Fo rthe times I have cut in a shelf, I have 1-1/4" thick/deep handle and like 1/2" - 5/8" wide shelf.

[bronco611]

I have made 5 board bows.The one for my nephew had a deer tine as an arrow rest, for his future father in law it had a turkey spur , mine and my sons bows have an add on wood shelf and I cut a shelf into my wifes bow. All in all I like the character of the spur and tine over the others.