American Longbow, Howard Hill, or American Semi Longbow

[onemississipp]

Whatever the name I have had some questions about their build.

I ordered the the book:

American Longbow Book: How to Make One, and Its Place in a Good Life



And it actually gave answers to my questions but wonder if anyone’s opinion differs.

1. Should all lams be placed under riser and only the belly glass come up the fades. This book says yes, and gives reasoning-makes sense.

Like seen in this ShrewHill




2. How long should each limb be - this book follows the same thought as others as the upper limb should be 1 - 2 inches longer. Still makes sense as it did when I first read about it on Dean Torges page.

So far the book seems promising.

Thoughts?


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[Dazzad]

gday mate. My two cents, for what it's worth!
There is no right and wrong. I'm sure that the author is able to back up these two recommendations with logical theory and any amount of practical experience. Many people will be in full agreement.

And then.....

Others will disagree, for their specific reasons and/or because their practical experience demonstrates that these things aren't black and white/ right or wrong.

When researching the design and construction of ASLs, my resources recommended the riser be glued with laminations both on the back and belly side of the fades. I also followed the recommended practice of making both limbs the same length. The result has been a series of smooth, quiet, shock-free, highly effective bows.

Not for a moment do I suggest that your sources are wrong, or even that I disagree with those principles. Just that there is more than one right way!!!  :wavey:Choose your learning resources wisely, and understand why you're doing things the way you are doing them. I bet your bows will be fantastic!

[monterey]

I have built them with glass only on the belly and glass and lams on the belly.  Both work fine for me.  If you put thick lams on the belly side the fit of the form is critical to getting good glue joints on the riser.

Mine always have equal length limbs and tiller and shoot just fine.

I haven't read the book so have no idea why he recommends as he does.