??? about building a 60" board bow

[david janssen]

I would like to build a board bow out of ash and wondered if it is possible to make one 60" or shorter? The reason being is that I hunt out of pop-up blinds and anything longer than a 60" longbow leaves me with not much room for error when shooting.I would like the bow to be 40-45#.I have a 25" draw when shooting a Hill style bow.Also does someone have the layout for such a bow?

Thanks for the advice,

David

[Mike Most]

Look at 4est trekkers board bow build, its a good solid plan he uses red oak but I am sure if you find quarter sawn ash you would be good to go.

[macbow]

I see no reason at your draw length that a 60 inch wouldn't work.

[Pat B]

Have you ever built a selfbow or board bow before? If not learn proper tillering first then you can build whatever you want. Trying to start out building what would normally be a difficult length bow to build for a 28" draw is just asking for frustration. If you just have to build it I would suggest getting the best piece of ash lumber I could find, one with perfect grain both back and sides and make a bow that bends through the bow from tip to tip (aka a bendy handle bow). I think I'd back it with rawhide, silk, linen or even brown grocery bag paper for a bit of insurance.

[david janssen]

Thanks for the advice.

[macbow]

Pat ,
Do you think it would be tough for the 25 inch draw?

[vanillabear?]

[Pat B]

Lots of my bows are 60" and I always tiller to 28"(my draw is 26) but I bring the bend right up to or through the handle. I like to feel the handle give at full draw. Most of my bows are stave bows. Board bows are a little more finicky if the grain, both top and side are not just right. With that much stress any steep runoff is more likely to splinter if the grain isn't just right.