How To Boost Your Recurve Bow's Power

Making a recurve bow stronger depends on several factors, including the type of wood used, the thickness of the limbs, and the draw weight. The best woods for a stronger recurve bow are those that are strong and flexible, such as hickory, yew, lemonwood, and maple. A thicker limb will result in a higher draw weight, which can increase the strength of the bow. Additionally, choosing a higher draw weight can also make the bow stronger. However, it is important to note that a higher draw weight requires more upper body strength to draw and hold. When creating a stronger recurve bow, it is crucial to consider factors such as draw length and comfort during shooting.

Choosing the right wood for your bow

Wood Species

The most suitable wood species for a recurve bow should have a high modulus of rupture (MOR) and a low modulus of elasticity (MOE). This means the wood can bend with relative ease without breaking. Some of the best wood species for bow-making include:

• Orange Osage: Offers ideal compression and tensile strength, easy to mould with heat, but hard to find and expensive.
• Hickory: Commonly used for drumsticks due to its energy absorption and release capabilities, lightweight and strong, but prone to moisture absorption.
• Red Oak: Dense, heavy, and durable, resulting in good shape retention, but can be tricky to cut due to its porous nature.
• Red Cedar: Lightweight, flexible, and commonly used for traditional longbows, but tends to be brittle and prone to splintering.
• Bamboo: Rigid yet flexible, durable, easy to work with heat, and affordable, but may be challenging to fashion into a bow.
• Maple: One of the most popular hardwoods, known for its durability, availability, and energy storage capabilities, commonly used in traditional and composite bows.
• Birch: Affordable and lightweight, with yellow birch being the best subspecies for bow-making due to its density and elasticity, while white birch is too rigid and lacks durability.
• Dogwood: Good compression ratio, dense, and moisture-resistant, but can be challenging to find a high-grade piece without knots.
• Juniper: Dense, compact, and speedy, making it ideal for smaller traditional bows, but finding larger pieces for bigger bows can be difficult.

Workability

Consider the workability of the wood, including its ability to be shaped, bent, or moulded. Some woods are easier to work with than others, and heat treatment or steam bending may be required for certain species.

Availability and Cost

The availability and cost of the wood species should also be considered. Some woods, like Orange Osage, are harder to find and more expensive, while others, like Hickory, are more readily available and affordable.

Personal Preferences

Finally, your personal preferences, such as the desired colour and grain pattern of the wood, should also be taken into account.

Selecting the correct bow length

When selecting the correct bow length for a recurve bow, it is important to note that the bow length should be at least double your draw length. This means that if your draw length is 28 inches, your recurve bow should be 56 inches or longer.

It is important not to choose a bow based on your height or age. Instead, your choice of bow length should be determined by your draw length. The taller you are, the more likely you are to have a longer draw length, but this is not always the case.

Bow length changes the feel and speed of the bow. Generally, a longer bow will feel smoother to draw than a shorter bow, but it will also be slightly slower. A shorter bow will cause an increased string angle when at full draw, which will change your anchor and chest clearance.

If you are using the bow for target archery or Olympic competition, you will need a longer bow for increased stability. A longer bow usually means a longer brace height, which results in more forgiveness and slightly less speed. The more forgiving the bow is, the less likely you are to notice minor flaws in your form, which is important when aiming for optimal accuracy.

If you are using the bow for hunting or recreational purposes, a shorter bow may be preferable as they are easier to manoeuvre and can be more powerful. A shorter bow will have a shorter brace height, causing sharper and stronger shots, resulting in more speed but less forgiveness.

• If you are shooting more than a 29" draw, a 70" bow is recommended.
• If you shoot more than a 27" draw, choose a 68" bow.
• For a draw length of more than 25", select a 66" bow.
• If your draw length is less than 25", consider a 64" bow (short limbs and a 23" riser).
• If you shoot more than a 31" draw, you may need a 72" bow (long limbs and a 27" riser).

It is important to note that these values are only guidelines, and the specific bow length that is right for you may vary depending on your preferences and needs.

Understanding the importance of draw weight

Archery is a sport that demands precision, focus, and the right equipment. One of the most critical aspects of shooting a bow accurately and effectively is the draw weight.

Draw weight is a measurement of the amount of force required to draw the bowstring back to its maximum draw length. It is measured in pounds and is one of the most important factors that determine the power, speed, and accuracy of an arrow when released from the bow. The higher the draw weight, the more energy is stored in the bow, resulting in faster-moving arrows.

The right draw weight depends on your personal strength and experience level. A higher draw weight will increase the speed of the arrow but will also require more strength to draw the bowstring back, which can lead to fatigue and reduced accuracy. On the other hand, a lower draw weight may not provide enough power to the arrow, impacting accuracy and distance.

Choosing the Right Draw Weight

When choosing a bow, it is crucial to select the appropriate draw weight for your needs. A good rule of thumb is to start with a draw weight that is no more than 50-60% of your maximum strength. This allows for gradual improvement while still enjoying the sport. Beginners should opt for a lower draw weight, typically between 20-30 pounds, and gradually increase the weight as they gain experience and strength. Experienced archers can start with a higher draw weight, usually around 40-50 pounds, and adjust it according to their specific needs.

Draw Weight for Target Archery and Hunting

The draw weight requirements may vary depending on whether you intend to shoot target archery or go hunting. In target archery competitions, there may be restrictions on the maximum draw weight for compound bows, while in hunting, there are often minimum draw weight requirements to ensure effective hunting practices. For example, a minimum draw weight of 40 pounds is commonly required for hunting big game species, regardless of the type of bow used.

Measuring and Adjusting Draw Weight

To measure a bow's draw weight, you can use a bow weight scale, which can be found in archery stores or online. The standard for determining draw weight is measuring the force necessary to pull the bow back to 28 inches. However, the actual draw weight will vary depending on the specific draw length. Recurve bows have incremental draw weights, meaning the weight increases or decreases based on how far the bow is pulled back.

Importance of Proper Draw Weight

Choosing the correct draw weight is essential to your performance and enjoyment of archery. A draw weight that is too high can lead to improper form, fatigue, and reduced accuracy. It can also increase the risk of injury. Starting with a lower draw weight allows you to develop good shooting habits and gradually build up your strength. As you gain experience and strength, you can then consider moving up in draw weight.

In summary, understanding the importance of draw weight is crucial when using a recurve bow. It impacts the power, speed, and accuracy of your arrows. By selecting the appropriate draw weight for your strength and experience level, you can improve your performance, prevent fatigue, and fully enjoy the sport of archery.

Shaping the bow stave

First, mark the outline of the bow on the stave using a pen or pencil. This includes marking the handle, riser, and limbs. When marking the limbs, draw them as flat and straight, as they will be bent into shape later. The handle should be in the middle of the bow, taking up about 8 inches. Also, mark where you want the bowstring nocks to be.

Next, use a hatchet, bandsaw, or jigsaw to cut out the shape of the bow. Make sure to retain the desired length for the finished bow. The handle should be around 1.5 inches thick.

Now, identify the belly and back of the bow stave. The back of the bow is the outer surface that faces the target when shooting, while the belly is the inward curve that faces you. Stand the stave upright, holding the upper limb with the tip of the lower limb on the ground. Gently bend the bow to test its flexibility.

Set up the bow in a strong vice, clamping around the handle area. Use a drawknife, files, sandpaper, or a plane to trim down the limbs to your desired thickness. Remember, the thickness of the limbs determines the draw weight of the bow. Aim for a slightly heavier draw weight that can be refined later. Around 5/8 of an inch is a good thickness. Always shave the wood away from the belly of the bow, not the back.

Once the limbs have been reduced to the ideal thickness, it's time to start bending them. Use a bow shaping frame to secure your bow with clamps while gradually bending it into shape. Tie the stave in place as well for added security. Make sure to use precise measurements, bending both limbs at the exact same point on either side of the handle.

After finishing the bending, leave the bow fixed and tied in the shaping frame overnight. This allows the wood to settle into the desired position.

Now, use a cylindrical file to carve out notches towards the tip of each limb. These notches will hold the bowstring in place. Work on the inside wood, not the outside, to preserve strength.

With these steps, you will have successfully shaped your bow stave, ready for the next stage of crafting your recurve bow.

Stringing and finishing touches

Now that you've shaped your bow, it's time to string it and add some finishing touches. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Stringing the Bow:

• Purchase a bow stringer designed for a recurve bow and ensure it fits your bow's length and draw weight.
• Place the string's large loop over the upper limb of the bow, positioning it correctly.
• Fit the smaller loop into the notch on the lower limb, checking that it's snug.
• If using a "pocket and saddle" stringer, fit the larger pocket over the lower limb, covering the small string loop.
• If using a "double pocket" stringer, place the small pocket over the upper limb tip.
• For a "saddle" stringer, slide the saddle over the upper limb, about 3 inches (8 cm) from the tip, behind the string loop.
• Hold the bow horizontally with your non-dominant hand, so your dominant hand is near the upper limb.
• Step on the bow stringer with both feet, about shoulder-width apart, using the balls of your feet.
• Pull up on the bow, drawing up the slack in the stringer, and confirm your grip.
• Simultaneously, slide the large loop onto the notch near the tip of the upper limb.
• Check that the string loop is secure in the groove and keep your finger over it for the rest of the process.
• Slowly lower the bow until the stringer is slack, being careful not to rush this step.
• Double-check the string loops again, turning the bow away from you to avoid any mishaps.
• Remove the bow stringer and any rubber bands used.

Tuning the Bow:

• Adjust the nocking point height: Position it about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) above the imaginary line from the top of the arrow rest to the bowstring.
• Shoot in a new string if your bow is new, as the string will stretch out initially. You can also leave the bow strung overnight to help it settle.
• Test the brace height, which is the distance between the handle and the string. A higher brace height will slow arrows, while a lower height will make a loud noise on release.
• Adjust the brace height by twisting the string to flex the limbs: twisting increases height, while untwisting decreases it.
• Measure and note the brace height and shooting performance after each adjustment until you find the perfect setting.

Finishing Touches:

• Once you're happy with the brace height and shooting performance, you can add some final touches to your bow.
• Consider adding artwork, leather wrapping, or a protective coating to personalise and protect your bow.
• You can also polish the bow with a water-resistant finish, such as oil, lacquer, or oil/shellac/varnish mixtures.
• Always follow safety precautions when working with tools and equipment, and wear protective gear when shooting.

Frequently asked questions