How to make a shelf

[Don Armstrong]

I am making a board bow out of red oak and although most shoot of their hand, I want to install a shelf and get as close to center as possible. Is this possible and if so, how do I locate the shelf on the handle. Is there a measurement from center of bow or ends. Thanks, Don

[Pat B]

Don, If you design your handle so the sides gradually come in to about a 1"(or slightly less) neck above your hand you can add a shelf instead of cutting one out.
   When placing the arrow pass I grab the handle like I was going to shoot and put a mark right at the top of my hand for the arrow pass.   Pat

[John Scifres]

Rather than cutting in a shelf, narrow your handle.  You might have to make it thicker so it won't bend.  Then use a small piece of leather or shoot off your hand.  I like to find the sweet spot of the bow by shooting it some before putting on a rest.  Mine tend to end up between 1" and 1.5" above center.

 

[George Tsoukalas]

Don, I'm not into center shot selfbows but if you go to my site you'll see info on making a leather handle for your bow which will included making a leather shelf.  Jawge
 http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/

[George Tsoukalas]

Oh and be careful. Don't shoot of your hand. You will need it.    Jawge