Homemade tabs

[david janssen]

Anyone make there own tabs?I'm thinking of trying one and need some advice on how to build one.
Thanks,
David

[Jim Jackson]

I make my own based on the super archery mitt design.  Apparently the original designer stopped making them for a couple years, and then 3rivers picked it up.  I took apart one of my old ones, traced out a pattern on some thin cereal box cardboard and tweaked it here and there as I like.  I went to a leather shop and went through the scrap bin to find several pieces large enough to make more tabs then you'll ever need.  Buffalo hide is my favorite leather.  Thick enough, but plenty pliable.  You can stitch and/or glue with contact cement or pick up one of the hand riveters at the leather shop.  The mitt design only requires a few stitches and frankly I have gotten away with just contact cement in the past as well (although I recommend letting it dry thoroughly before you try to shoot with it!)  Hope that helps.

[maineac]

I make my own from some scrap leather I have.  I found deerskin a bit thin.  I don't like a really hard or thick tab, so a single piece of leather is enough for me.  I just traced a split finger tab I had, and left it solid since I shoot three finger under.

[snag]

Glad you guys brought this up. I think I will pull out some thick leather I have and give this a try.

[Scott S.]

I make my own from a piece of fairly heavy but flexible leather (single layer).  I like the "Western tab" with one hole for the index finger and another bigger, oblong hole for the 2nd and 3rd fingers together (shoot spit finger).  This style does not seem to be too common anymore.  I traced my pattern from an old Ben Pearson tab.  I found a pic of one online:
 http://www.cannonsports.com/p/Archery+Finger+Tab--Size+Medium/00109

[VA Bowbender]

This is the style I use.  I trace and cut them from single thick leather scraps.  A good source for leather is old boots and handbags from thrift stores.
 

I have not tried this style but will one day.  I have an old Ben Pearson one but it's too small, it was for a female.
 

[tippit]

I cut mine from cordova leather either split finger or 3 under...Doc