Longbow rest

[chuck jones1836]

I have been having some problems with arrow flight so I decided to go back and retune the bow. After reading OL Adcocks website on tuning and especially on the subject of arrow rest I am wondering if that is part of my fishtailing problem.  He sugest using velcro as a rug and installing a arrow point of contact directly inline with the smallest portion of the grip.  

  OL Adcock  

My bow shelf is flat and I was thinking this might be a good way to set it up.  At present I just have a rug on the flat shelf.  What do you all think about some elevation at the point of arrow contact?  And what is the best way to do this?....thanks...chuck

[jhansen]

Chuck,
Most bowyers now radius or curve the arrow shelf to limit contact with the arrow.  Placing something under the rug immediately above the deepest part of the grip accomplishes the same thing.  You will probably have to replace the shelf rug to get things stuck back down but it can be worth it.  I'd suggest that you use something other than a wooden match because the wood is soft and will deform.  I've used bamboo skewers, swizzle sticks, and toothpicks with good results.

Have fun,
John

[Orion]

The modifications suggested do reduce the contact between the arrow and arrow shelf, but I don't think the arrow shelf is what's causing the fishtailing.  There are a lot of older bows around from the 50s and 60s that have flat shelves, and most of those shoot very well if the arrows are properly matched to them.  Maybe it's something in your form, arrow spine, even brace height, etc.

Just so as not to overlook the obvious, you are using feather fletched arrows, right.  Vanes don't fly well off a shelf, regardless of how it's constructed.

[chuck jones1836]

John thanks for that.  I want to try this to see if it helps any I just wasnt sure about the construction.  My first thought was to cut a piece of purple heart that I have about 1/4" square should do I think....thanks

[chuck jones1836]

Orion I am using feathers right helical.  Nock point is set 1/2" about square.  The brace height from the manufacture is to be set between 6 1/2-7".  Mine has been adjusted to 6 3/4".  I have a home made flemish dacron string on the bow.  I use split finger release.  The bow is #60 and with my draw length I suppose it is about 55#.  I really need to take it to a shop and have it measured at my draw length.  All the charts I have looked at are saying 1916 or 2016 at my draw length (26.5).  The arrows are cut to 27 1/4".  I have used 2016, 2114 and 2117 varying the point weight from my normal 125 to 140.  I need to pick up some 1916's to try and some 90 grain field points also.  Open to suggestions...thanks

[chuck jones1836]

John, what is the best glue to use to restick the rug on the shelf..any suggestions...thanks

[jhansen]

Chuck,
I'd suggest replacing the shelf cover with the loop side of velcro.  Get the marine grade stuff.  I get mine from Academy Sporting Goods here in Austin.  That way all you have to do is cut to shape, peel and stick.  If you really want to re-use what's on there now you could try Duco cement.

I'm sure you know this but 1/4" of anything would be way too much.  You only need to create a high spot, not a mountain.        Also, keep in mind that you will need to raise your nocking point a little to compensate.

John

[chuck jones1836]

Thanks John I will get to Academy and look for the velcro.  Sounds like a good meathod.  Actually the 1/4" was rough cut it is probably closer to 1/8" or less now.  I will recheck my nock, also.  When I started this venture I am retuning my bow to the low set point recommended by the manufacture....thanks and have a good day...chuck

[Grampus]

Consider an elevated brush rest to minimize the arrow's contact with the bow.  For $3.00, there is a stick on style brush rest available from 3 Rivers Archery.