Limbs-thin & wide or narrow and thick?

[critman]

On all wood bows, what is better for low poundage-wide thin limbs or narrow thick ones? I read in the Bowyer's bible that twice as wide is twice as strong but twice as thick is 8 times as strong. For longbows wouldn't thicker, more narrow lims be much better or does this not work. As stated earlier, this applies to all wood bows (board bows of red oak/hickory/etc.)that are usually not backed. Made another bow today and narrowed the limbs and left them thicker and she has held together just fine, so far    Ya'll know much more than me so what is your experinece with limb designs? Lovin this bow building!
p.s. the wife ain't too happy though!  

[LC]

I'm sure Roy from LA who is the guru around here will come along grasshopper!    Seriously he probably has a somewhat intellgent response to your ? and I'd listen to what he has to say!

[Pat B]

It all depends on the tension strength and compression strength of the wood you are using. Some woods can handle narrow, deep bow designs but most woods prefer wider limbs.

[LC]

Oh yeah forgot to add there are tons of other extremely knowledable folks on here who probably have a better response than Roy from LA!       Seriously the amount of knowledge on here is incredible! I'd take notes on what they have to say!

[Roy from Pa]

Never seen Roy from LA on here, LC?

[heartlandbowyer]

He's an old coon ass too!  

[bigbob2]

Roy from LA.??? don't tell me there'e two of them!!!              

[LC]

LA.....PA same difference  

[LittleBen]

As to the question, I think it's better to keep the limbs narrow as possible for the combination of wood being used.

With that said, if you dont make it wider than it is thick, it will twist and bend to the side and be a mess.

But I'm pretty sure Roy likes his bows about 35# so he can probably help ... haha.

In all seriousness though I wouldnt worry too much, you're never getting smoking performance from a lightweight bow anyway. If its accurate and durable, youve done it.

[George Tsoukalas]

Generally, wider is better for most bows but like Pat said it depends on the density of the wood. If you go narrow you have to go a little longer. There is an interplay between narrow and length. When I make a bow if I notice the limbs are not responding to belly wood removal I begin to narrow the limbs. So tell as what wood you are planning to use and the draw length you want and we may be able to suggest a design. Info on my site. Jawge
 http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/index.html

[critman]

Ok men, I will narrow it down to Red Oak. I can buy the boards easily so we will stick with this. As far as length, I prefer a longer bow of 66-68 inches, but I am building some bows for kids and not sure what draw length to use. Probably a 48-60 inch bow 16-24 inch draw with draw weights between 15-25#. Let me know if you need more info.

[George Tsoukalas]

1.25 in wide, length is the kid's height, let the handle bend, no glued on pieces and back it for peace of mind  is what I usually do. Silk, linen and burlap will work. Info on my site. Jawge
 http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/index.html

[LittleBen]

Listen to George. That sounds like a plan

[critman]

As always George, you are the man. Great site by the way.
Critman

[Roy from Pa]

If you make a bow that the limbs are thicker than they are wide, then ya might be a Redneck from Morgantown, LA:)