What can I expect?

[glenbo]

I was wondering what the gain in draw weight I can expect from cutting one inch off each tip. I am working on an Osage self bow that is 68" in legnth and my target is 28" draw. Hoping for at least 45 lbs. right now I am at 35#. Thanks

[John Scifres]

3# per inch is the rule of thumb.  Personally, I would not make an osage selfbow over 64" so you can probably cut 2" off each side and gain the 10# you want.  How wide is your bow?

[glenbo]

1-3/8" to mid limb then tatering to 1/2" tips

[Pat B]

Should be plenty of wood at 1 3/8" to do what John suggested. I make most of my osage bows about 1 3/8". If it hasn't taken too much set you could also add a bit of reflex with heat which will increase the draw weight too.

[glenbo]

Thanks Pat, I actually had to remove reflex from this stave. It had about four and one half inches of backset to start. Brought it back to 2-1/2". I guess I will take it down to 64" or so and see what happens. This is kind of a special stave to me and I don't want to mess it up. I suppose I could apply sinew to her but I have been down that road before. One limb is sweet and the other is a lumpy twisted mess. .

[George Tsoukalas]

glenbo, what is your draw length?
Jawge

[Pat B]

How about a few pics.