was wondering if anyone has a moisture meter they may sell, or can bring to the next shoot and check the moisture of a hickory bow i just made. it seems kind of slow shooting and has alot of hand shock . wondering if it's still green or just a poor design on my part .
This is Dennis. Sorry I don't have a meter. I will take a look at your bow if you bring it.
I've heard that you don't really need or want a meter. There are certain steps you can take to insure that your wood is dry enough.
I would think that handshock and slow speed may be with the design more than moisture content. If it was too wet it may rob some speed, and you would notice excessive string follow.
Let's see if Tim sees this. He has more experience with slow, shocky bows.
Moisture might be the problem but very well is not. Design would be my guess. Maybe too long a bow ? That would cause both problems. Too much weight in the limbs ? Lots of things can cause this. I have a meter and will bring it if I can remember. One thing you can do is put it next to the water heater or above an electric heater if you have electric heat. In reduced form it will dry quickly. If the problems go away you know the answer. I'm betting that's not it.
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I do not seek the good of others as a sanction for my right to exist, nor do I recognize the good of others as a justification for their seizure of my property or their destruction of my life.- Hank Rearden
it is kind of long.(70" or 71") but im starting to shoot it alot better now . i'll leave my black widow at home sat. and see how i do with this ole arm breaker . i can't believe how much more fun it is to shoot one you make yourself
I have a moisture meter, but it's stashed someplace and I'd have to find it Lots of fellas will tell you Hickory is inferior, but I've made a couple that shoot just fine. Wide , thin, and flat limbs are the key to success with hickory, and it's almost impossible to over dry it without using heat. The amount of string-follow will show you right away if it was too wet.
for a hunting weight bow, I'd stay about 1 7/8" wide for 2/3 the limbs length, and then taper it to 1/2" I have a gorilla draw, and never make one over 68"
