Depth of shelf cut.

[EmptyQuiver95]

Hello all, I am new to the group. I am currently working on my first bow. I have shot A Hoyt Satori for years with an elevated rest and been able to use center shot in the tuning process. I am wanting to cut my shelf in at least to center or maybe even slightly pass center. What’s everyone usually cut their shelf depth?

[Kirkll]

To center, or a bit past center is the norm. You'll need to tune the arrows to the bow.Also….  Keep the shelf itself fairly shallow for arrow clearance if you are shooting off the shelf.  Putting a slight bevel on the shelf edge helps too. 

This one is 1/8” past center

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YAXH2hBriApNiVsk7

Kirk

[Roy from Pa]

Welcome Alex...

You also need to have your riser built sturdy enough to handle the draw weight of the bow, so keep that in mind when cutting out the shelf. That's why a lot of folks put an I beam in the riser section or make the shelf deep front to back.

[Flem]

What style bow are you making?

[EmptyQuiver95]

Laminated Recurve. I started this bow with Chad Holmes over a year ago. After he passed I havnt touched it till recently.

[kennym]

Sure miss Chad! He was a great guy, gone too soon...

I cut to finish at center on mine .  Never had a break except once in a mule wreck in CO ...

[Mad Max]

On a 1-1/2" wide bow Riser I cut off all but .700 thick, so .800 deep cut into the riser.
.700 is as thin as I want my site window to be.
On a 1-3/4" wide bow I cut .175 past center leaving a site window of .700.
If I have a deep riser I will cut more past center.

I sure I could be less than .700 but that is the way I do it.

As a nubby I wanted to cut past center all the time but it's not needed.
A arrow tuned to the bow will hit where you are aiming.

[Appalachian Hillbilly]

Yea, but bows cut past center are easy to tune, and to a wider variety! At least imo. But you can go to far if you will only shoot off the shelf.

If you are putting a berger hole and insert for a plunger style or adjustable rest, then it needs to be past center  a bit, if your riser design will stand it.

I much prefer off the shelf,  A Bear weather rest Mayne on some of my old flat shelf past center Bears etc.

[Kirkll]

Sure miss Chad! He was a great guy, gone too soon...

I cut to finish at center on mine .  Never had a break except once in a mule wreck in CO ...

Is Chad Holmes the same guy that had Champion bow strings?  Kirk

[kennym]

No - Holm made bows  out of MN


He had a heart attack and passed at 49 years I think...