Question About Bows and Arrows

[n2ize]

Hi... here's a question some of you hunter/archery people might help me with. I have an old wooden longbow. I want to use it to fire a line into a tall tree so I can hoist a new aerial. The problem is the bow needs a new bowstring. I went on line and noticed they come in different lengths for different size bows and they specify a specific length string depending on the bow length. Only question I have is how do they measure the bow.Since the shape of the bow is an arc are they referring to the actual physical length of the bow itself or, are they referring to the length of the chord (i.e. straight distance between the ends of the bow)... I just want to make sure I order the right size. Far as arrows go, basic blunt or practice target arrows should do fine. I found a few places that have them cheap. This is just for putting up an antenna so its not going to be used for much else once that is done.

[N8YX]

You might find the following site to be helpful:

http://www.flemishbowstrings.com/

String measuring instructions are a little less than halfway down the page.

[KK4AMI]

Umm, have you ever shot a bow before? If you have not, you are going to hurt yourself. What is the draw weight on the bow? Arrows need to be sized to the draw and your arms. I'd take it to a bow shop, have them inspect it for safety, they can restring it and fit it with the right length arrows. If it has a draw weight in excess of 45#, it might be a little too powerful to launch arrows into a tree. Also, if it is a hunting bow, an arrow with a string on it can come back on you if the string gets caught. Ask me how I know this stuff! I have a recurve hunting bow with a 60# draw weight. Decided to switch to a fishing rod with 20# test fishing line and a 2 ounce weight (MUCH SAFER).

[KK4AMI]

Usually the bow has Draw weight and length annotated on the bow somewhere.

[K7SGJ]

You'll put your eye out.

[N7YA]

Does it have a compass in the stock?....Oh fuuuuuuuuudge!

[n2ize]

Umm, have you ever shot a bow before? If you have not, you are going to hurt yourself. What is the draw weight on the bow? Arrows need to be sized to the draw and your arms. I'd take it to a bow shop, have them inspect it for safety, they can restring it and fit it with the right length arrows. If it has a draw weight in excess of 45#, it might be a little too powerful to launch arrows into a tree. Also, if it is a hunting bow, an arrow with a string on it can come back on you if the string gets caught. Ask me how I know this stuff! I have a recurve hunting bow with a 60# draw weight. Decided to switch to a fishing rod with 20# test fishing line and a 2 ounce weight (MUCH SAFER).

Yes, I've fired a bow before and I've fired this bow before to to the very same job. Then I loaned it to someone only to get it back a few years later minus one bowstring.

I've thought of a few methods of getting the line up there other than the bow...

1) Slingshot. Accurate and inconspicuous but not enough power and accuracy when dragging a line. Only good for raising antenna onto lower branches resulting in poor height and communications.
2) Climbing the tree... Not an option for me right now. Perhaps when I was 18 but not today.
3) Professional tree climber/surgeon... A possibility but expensive. (*)
4) RC Helicopter ... too risky in an accident... loss of control, etc. small property with lots of adjacent yards. Too much at stake.. Can't take the chance.
5) Fishing pole ... difficult to get a good angle and put the line where I want it. Line ends up on adjacent property, snagged in neighbors trees, roofs, etc.
6) Manually throwing a weighted line... Possible but I have never tried before. Doubt I will have the required accuracy.

That leaves bow and arrow. Accurate, can easily be aimed where I want it, minimal interference with neighbors, quiet, adequate power. Plus I have done it before using blunt arrows and it does work. Drawbacks are as you mentioned but I am willing to take the risks.

[n2ize]

You might find the following site to be helpful:

http://www.flemishbowstrings.com/

String measuring instructions are a little less than halfway down the page.

Thanks... This is what I needed.

[WØTKX]

You forgot the best method of all. Recommended. I built this model from one of their "kits".

http://www.antennalaunchers.com/csv19/csv19asm.html

[KJ3N]

1) Slingshot. Accurate and inconspicuous but not enough power and accuracy when dragging a line. Only good for raising antenna onto lower branches resulting in poor height and communications.

You're doing it wrong, then. I've routinely shot a 1-oz weight with 10# fishing line up to 65 feet high; sometimes as high as 70 feet. I use this contraption, but you can build one, if you like.