Hill Style Backset Form Help

[Cory Hayes]

I have built Hill Style bows on a straight form before and I am looking to make a backset form.  I have read that a 6 ft. piece of steel channel with a continuous bend from center of about 1.5 inches at the tips will work.  Does this sound correct according to anyone with experience?  It seems to me that if the bend starts in the center, getting a 12-14 inch riser to glue down straight might be a problem.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Cory   

[kennym]

Not a Hill guy but I agree it will make fitting the riser harder.  You might make a half template and leave the center straight , then use a router to cut form.  Flip the template after you rout one end...

Like so...

https://www.kennysarchery.com/buildalong

Good luck with the build!!  Have fun!

[Longcruise]

I have a form that fits that description.   Doesn’t go to a full 1.5" though closer to 1.25.  I  don't have any problem fitting the risers.  They are hand fit by rough (not too rough) on a Rigid machine and then hand fitting the final by taping a piece of 36 grit onto the top of the stack on the form.  Leave your fades about 1/8" thick until you are fitted and feather them last thing. 

I also have a form that is flat in the center with the backset starting about nine inches from center.   Works fine with risers 18" and smaller.   

Both are made with partial templates.  Go to Kenny's site to see how it's done.

[mmattockx]

So, when people are saying 'backset' they mean limb reflex?


Mark

[Cory Hayes]

Yes.  Limb reflex is what I mean.

[JGray]

I've been away from this site for quite a few years and don't post much but this one caught my eye. I started building Hill style bows in the mid-1990's and was mentored by Don Burdette in Cave Creek, AZ. Don was a bowyer for Howard Hill Archery in the 1970's time frame (possibly earlier than that since Howard passed in 1975) and built some of Howard's personal bows. Don showed me a handwritten letter from Howard commending him on his bows. More to the point - Don used a form exactly as you describe from 1.5" square steel tubing bent into a continuous circular curve with 1.5" of set beck over the 6' length. My first bow form was made of plywood duplicating this design. I shaped the back of my risers to fit the curve of the form factoring in the taper in the laminations and it works just fine. I still have a bow off that form that is the 2nd laminated bow that I made.