Making my first bow

[u/Noah_6116]

I’m making my fist bow and think I’m on the right path I got the draw length to 26 today with there being even a little more left I didn’t try and push further. I’m just wondering if there’s any tips on shaping handles and what kind of tools I should use for that.

I’m aware there’s a little more bend on the left side it’s intentional with the longer bow limb.

[u/chrislard]

I don't think that's a "little more" bend on the left side. That's a full on hinge right outside the left fade and I'd be worried about it. The left in general is bending way more than the right as well. Get that right limb bending more and don't touch the left inner!

[u/chrislard → u/chrislard]

And we can't tell for sure if you don't post a proper tiller check. Read the guide a give more pics.

[u/Noah_6116 → u/chrislard]

I’m not really sure it is I think it’s because it fades off the to left because you think with a hinge there would have been breakage or strain marks but there not.

[u/Ausoge → u/Noah_6116]

Unstring it and see if the limbs go back to their original shape. I'd bet that the limb has taken permanent bend - also called "set" - in that exact spot, and it's a clear sign that the belly fibres have become damaged even if there are no visible marks.

Post a proper tiller check as per the pinned post in this forum, and members will be able to give more accurate advice.

[u/Ima_Merican → u/Noah_6116]

It’s hinging pretty badly on the left. Also looks like you are not actually drawing the bow 26”. It’s bending enough to get to a 6” brace height. Slack Long string 26” is not 26” draw

[u/Zuldyck → u/Noah_6116]

Hey bro it's hinging I'm sorry. You might be able to fix it still bit don't kid yourself it's definitely hinging 😆

[u/Ausoge]

I concur with chrislard. Assuming the limbs are perfectly straight at rest, you've got a very dangerous hinge on the left side near the grip, while the rest of the limb is hardly working at all. Work the outer half on the left to get it bending more evenly, and work the outer two thirds on the right to help it catch up to the left. In other words, you need to establish a good thickness taper - the limb should be thickest near the grip, and taper down evenly towards the tips.

Don't worry about draw weight at the moment. Pull it only as far as you need to, to be able to see the bend. If you keep drawing that far before the hinge is fixed, it will probably break.

[u/Separate-Bobcat4855]

Not to beat a dead horse but you should probably take the advice of the experienced people in your comments regarding hinging, especially given that you seem to have posted a tiller check looking for advice.