very new with a few questions

[tommy36]

hello
I recently started doing research on making my first self bow . before I get into that I want to thank everyone for their hospitality on this site what a great community.
on to the  bow making I think I'm ready for my first board bow. my first question Is how do you know how long to make your final string to the bow.
second I want a handle with a arrow shelf cut into it is there a specific way you guys make your handle or do you kind of wing it. I think that's it sorry if these are frequently asked and thank you guys for any info and also sorry for my read vocabulary I'm still picking up on everything

[Roy from Pa]

On a longbow your string length should be about 3 to 4 inches shorter than the length of the bows string groove to string groove measurement. If the string is a little too long, you can shorten it by taking it off the bottom limb and twisting it counter clockwise, if it's too short you twist it clockwise.. Do you make strings?

It's your choice if you want to cut an arrow shelf into a board bow. I would not do that, one it could make the shelf area too thin and your bow could break there. But if you lay the handle area out to be wider, then yes it's possible. A wooden bow just seems out of place to me with a shelf cut into the side of the handle. I make leather arrow rests and attach them to the side of the handle.

I'm sure you will have many more questions and that is fine with us, just enjoy the journey... Welcome to Trad Gang.. Roy

[John Scifres]

When you design your handle, keep this in mind: if you double the thikness of a piece of wood, it is 8 times stronger when you try to bend it.  If you double the width, it is only 2 times stronger.

The practical application for you is that you can make a narrow handle if you make it thicker.  It get's tricky with cutout rests and I agree with Roy that you should not do it especially on your first few.  But, if you insist, make sure there is sufficient thickness to keep it from breaking in the cut out area.

[Pat B]

Here are a few pics that might help you out. I took this from a little book I bought years ago, "Bows from Boards" by Dr. Vaughn Ditto. You may still be able to obtain this book. I have Dr Ditto's contact info(from years ago) if you are interested.
 

 

[Pat B]

I personally would rather add a shelf instead of cutting one into the handle.

[tommy36]

Thank you guy so much. I am starting the bow on Thursday i haven't decided on weather or not to cut a shelf in or not I seen the leather rest's and I like them a lot as well so I am between the two right now.
Roy I am not sure if I will attempt to make a string for it or not yet is there any advantages of making it i just don't really know much about nock placement
Also where do you put your rest It seems like an inch or so above the handle or is it above center. Thank you guys again

[So-Mo Archer]

Tommy, welcome to this addiction called traditional bow building (bowyering, insanity, etc....    ). So far as the rest location goes, typically it is ~1" above center, give or take a little to suit your tastes and shooting style. Also, nock placement can be set by a bow square (or a carpenters square if you are steady handed), starting at about 1/2" above your rest, then tweaked up or down to find your sweetspot. Good luck, and let us know how it's going as you build.

[tommy36]

thanks for all the input guys I have two more questions I have the bow roughed out the riser is glued,on now when it comes time to tiller do I have to use a bow string or are there any subs for that and is there anywhere that sells b50 string locally or do you have to order it?

[eflanders]

Many bowyers suggest that the shelf placement be as close as possible to your knuckle as possible as you grip the bow.

You can use any type of string for tillering the bow that will safely hold the poundage as you progress in the tillering process.  (A lot of folks just use an old bowstring because they already have them laying around.)

Do you have a tillering gizmo yet?  Do a search on here if not. They are really, really  helpful.  Also be sure to have a grid pattern posted behind your tillering fixture to see your progress.

Good luck, GO SLOW and have fun!