This information will assist you in determining your stack thickness. There are million ways to layer a stack. You need to do your research to figure out what will work best with the products that you choose. My experience is largely in building deflex/reflex modified longbows. I’m not going to be super knowledgable in helping you determine your stack for a recurve. The numbers below are based on Kenny McKenzie’s original plans.
If you are getting an error message on our website when you try to order a specific size lam, you might be choosing a size that can not exist. For .002″ taper, you must order 0.100″ butt thickness or more. For .001″ taper, you must order 0.070″ butt thickness or larger. Any smaller, and the thin end of your taper becomes a negative number.
Keep in mind, these stack thickness numbers will get your close, but they will never be exactly on target. Every piece of wood has natural variance in strength which will greatly impact your final draw weight. In addition, the way that you tiller the limbs will ultimately determine the final draw weight. It is important to take off small amounts of material as you get close to your target weight during tillering. Check it often.
Common Longbow Stack Layers
Step One
Decide what your target draw weight is for your bow project. In other words, what is your target weight at 28″ draw?
Step Two
Check the chart for the total “stack” thickness in inches to achieve that goal.
Example: For 40# target weight in a 60″ deflex/reflex longbow at 28″ draw, you will need a total stack thickness of 0.315″.
Deflex/Reflex Longbow Thickness x Draw Weights Chart
| Draw Weight | 58″ D/R | 60″ D/R | 62″ D/R | 64″ D/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40# | 0.300″ | 0.315″ | 0.335″ | 0.345″ |
| 45# | 0.305″ | 0.320″ | 0.345″ | 0.355″ |
| 50# | 0.310″ | 0.325″ | 0.355″ | 0.365″ |
| 55# | 0.315″ | 0.330″ | 0.365″ | 0.375″ |
| Considerations: Applies to bows with 18″ riser at 28″ draw. Applies only to bow that is 1.5″ wide at fades, 0.5″ wide at nocks, with 0.003″ total taper. | ||||
| For modified design, reduce total stack thickness by 0.010″. | ||||
Takedown and Forward Handle Longbow Thickness x Draw Weights Chart
| Draw Weight | 58″ Forward Handle | 60″ Forward Handle | 62″ TakeDown | 64″ TakeDown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40# | 0.270″ | 0.285″ | 0.290″ | 0.305″ |
| 45# | 0.280″ | 0.295″ | 0.300″ | 0.315″ |
| 50# | 0.290″ | 0.305″ | 0.310″ | 0.325″ |
| 55# | 0.300″ | 0.315″ | 0.320″ | 0.335″ |
| Takedown considerations: Applies to bows with 18″ riser at 28″ draw. Applies only to bow that is 1.5″ wide at fades, 0.5″ wide at nocks, with 0.003″ total taper. The angle at limb pads equals 12 degrees. | ||||
| Forward handle considerations: Applies to bows with 16″ riser, 0.040″ glass to 55 with .001″ per inch taper in limb. Tip wedge advised. | ||||
Step Three
Add up each of the six layers (at butt end) to check draw weight
Sample Stack Thickness Calculation for a 64″ Deflex/Reflex Longbow
THIS DIAGRAM COMING SOON
Step Four
Order your glass, parallels and tapers that will get you close or just above to your target draw weight.
Can I stack these layers a different way?
Yes. Every bowyer will give you a different answer. I strongly encourage you to spend some time reading articles and discussions regarding how to achieve target draw weight on trad bow forums and social media. Half of the fun in building a bow is testing materials and learning how the different layering is going to feel and react in the final bow.