Take down systems for homemade Hill style longbow

[Dmorris]

Hey guys, looking for some advise for a take down system on a new Hill style longbow I am getting ready to build.Really like the looks and design of the bow bolt system, was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions or advise? Planning on an all wood riser, but stiff with no flex throughout the handle. Any advise is greatly appreciated!

[jsweka]

You’ll get better advice if you post this in the Bowyer’s Bench form.
I’ve never attempted to build a takedown ASL, so I can’t give a whole lot of advice, but I will say that you should not attempt the bow bolt with an all wood riser. It will fail no matter what wood you use. You’ll need G10, micarta, or fiberglass I-beam in the riser.

[evgb127]

If you want to stick with an all wood riser, you probably want to use a sleeve system, like the one available from 3Rivers:

If you want to get creative with shaping your handle, Clay Hayes has a good video:



He discusses building up the handle and shaping it around the 15 minute mark.

[Orion]

I agree that the sleeve system is probably the easiest to install, and it works fine.  There's another method in which a fiberglass or carbon fiber sleeve is constructed around the two joining sections.  Jack Harrison describes it in his book, Traditional Bowyer, More Unnecessary Fun.  There are probably U-Tube videos on how to do that as well. 

[Pat B]

I think Big Jim has a how to video and a kit for making a FG or carbon take down for a bow, all wood included.

[Steelhead]

The brass steel sleeve has been used for longtime.I like it.But have never built one.But the ones I had were great and built by reputable long time bowyers.It comes in a small size and large size.I like the small for my hands.Mine had locator grips built up with bondo and leather grips.They add a little weight right where your hand sits.