Bow form question...

[cunruhshoot]

This may be a dumb question and I think I know the answer but I thought I would bring it to the experts...

I have built a r/d bow form following the Bingham model for a 62" hybrid longbow. I really like the bow performance that I am getting  - the bows seem to be smooth and pretty quick, I have built about 20 bows off the form all very consistent in performance.  So here is the question...

How much room do I have to move up or down in length using this same bow form and what will it do to performance of bow? For example...the bow form is much longer than 62" I could make a 64" or even 66" bow off of this form but it would have greater reflex as compared to deflex. Or what would happen if I made a 58" bow off the form which would reduce the reflex.

Is it better to make a separate form for each desired bow length?

I guess that was more than one question...

[carpin'mark]

You've done much better than me, I don't think I made it to 10 bows before I had to make it 'better'!
My experience with it is you can go 2" either way, so 60-64" without things changing too much.  I stress the 'too' much part. An inch on/off each end is not a big deal, beyond that you have to start changing taper/parallel combinations and riser lengths to maintain a good working limb.
I don't think think you would be happy with a 58" or 66" off of that mold.

[Robertfishes]

this my longbow form, I made it using a template I got from kennym. He said it was for a 62" or 64" bow. First I made three 64" bows off of it and then five 66" bows off of it..even though it was designed for 62 or 64" the 66" bows are very nice. I don't think a 58" bow off of this form would be the best idea, it would likely lose good shooting qualities. Kenny does have a template and plan for a 58" Hybrid longbow. I am thinking about trying it out.    

[Dan Bonner]

You can make em any length. If you change riser length and use tip wedges on the longer ones you can fine tune performance of each length.

[Don Miller]

What draw length are you using with the 62 in Bingham?

[milehi101]

Give Elmont Bingham a call and tell him what you are wanting to do he will tell you what to do and it seems to work about every time for me