Handle forward Cherry Tri-lam

[Powder]

I build, or try to build, a lot of bows. I stumbled onto tri-lams last year and they have been pretty much my "go-to"... Especially with suspect wood.

This is the second "handle forward" one I have made... And like the last one, seems to just be "better". Better draw, less stress on the wood, less shock, more hits, and more consistant hits even out to 30 yards...

This one is a cherry belly, black walnut core, and a hickory backing. 68" NTN, and just over 55LBS.

Quick, and quiet. I am starting a new cherry bow now for my wife... She is getting a true reverse handled ASL... Also out of the same woods.

[Pat B]

Nice reverse handle trilam. 
Hickory is my favorite wood bow backing.

[Powder]

Thanks! I have never used any other wood than Hickory... I have used bamboo... But that's grass... I tried other wood backings in the past with poor results.

[Bryan Adolphe]

Very nice !

[Kirkll]

What is your draw length in that photo?

[simk]

Nice bow. I like that wavy and flowy handle design, proper craftsmanship!

less stress on the wood, less shock

I think in the end you are shortening your draw by putting the handle forward, arent't you? Less energy stored and lower performance? A low braceheight could maybe compensate some?

I do use hardwood and bamboo backing. I like the hardwoods for the ease of use. Bamboo seems a lot stiffer, putting more stress on the belly. at the same time it needs less limb thickness for the same drawweight. The bows come out lighter in mass with bamboo and seem a little faster also. Preparing bamboo backing is a pain.
my 0.0002cents
Simon

[Powder]

Kirkll - While I did not avtually measure my draw in that photo... My normal draw is just short of 29 inches.

simk- I believe you are correct. Although I am still drawing the same as I always do, the one inch less of handle meat HAS to equate to a slightly shorter draw. And while on paper it should reduce performance, it is probably one of my faster bows... Cherry, if it holds, acts kinda like mulberry. It is so light, that mass principle rules are followed without even trying hard... And cherry seems to be VERY compression tolerant.

Biggest thing I did diffent from normal was thin my hickory backing more so than normal, and trap the bow.

Thanks for the kind words guys!

Jim

[Mo_coon-catcher]

Looks great! I may have to try a forward handle on my next glue up.

Kyle