question about using taper???

[vth0kie12]

i have a friend that gave me some tapers. i was wondering if i could make a bow with just using the tapers or if i have to have a parallel with it.
 
my thought is its going depend on the shape and type of the bow.

if a can make it out of tapers will it lose preformance b/c it doesnt have parallels?

[Dick in Seattle]

A dozen questions before you can really get an answer!   How long are the tapers and how tapered?  What kind of bow do you want:  longbow, RD, recurve?  What weight and length?

Generally, tapers are used with parallels.   Too much taper can produce a soft tip that leads to stacking.

I do straight longbows and use one taper of .0015 with two parallels up to 45#, two of the tapers with two heavier parallels over that.

Tapers in a recurve or RD are a more complex situation, as the degree of curve in the limbs is also a factor... which is one reason why I don't mess with them.

I'm sure you'll get more answers and discussion, but I figure the end result is you're gonna want some parallels.

[Swissbow]

As Dick mentioned above, there is no general rule. If you're not sure then stick with parallels and you will more likely get a bow that shoots. I have built bows without and only with tapers, but it's a thin line between the right amount of or to much taper. It depends a lot of the design of the bow.

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Andy

[vth0kie12]

thanks guys that is what i was thinking just wanted to make sure.

[Bob Sarrels]

If you want a paralell just reverse one of your tapers and it will equal it out.