How do I make a Bow?

[runr]

Hello new the forums but I lurking around as a guest for a while wanting to learn how to make a bow from scratch.

so far I've gathered that you have to find a good Stave about 2-3 inches in diameter but from there I'm sorta lost other than I know that you are supposed to let it dry so it doesn't crack.

but how do I know when it's dry enough, how do I make it a recurve, and how do I make the string out of sinew?

and nice bows FVR I really like the style.

[crashdive123]

There are several threads in this section that discuss bow making, and several members that make them. In the meantime, how 'bout shooting over to the introduction section straight as an arrow and tell us a bit about yourself. Thanks.

[runr]

I've checked out several of the threads even the two you gave the other guy but they always mention a store bought string and don't mention how to tell if the wood is dry enough or too dry and I haven't read how to make them recurve.

[Gray Wolf]

This explains about making different bows out of different woods plus much more.
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/downloads/pdf/essentials%20of%20archery.pdf

[Rick]

Wow! What a great document. Nice post, GW.

[runr]

Thanks Gray Wolf

[runr]

Wow GW this has what I needed and more I learned that I have been shooting wrong for years!

[canid]

remember though that there are many shooting styles, while it is helpful that you try other styles before making a preference, the right style is the one that does what you want it to for you, though in the case of hunting, it is also your responsibility that it does what you want it to reliably.

[canid]

this is a link to a forum for bowyers you might find interesting. aside from providing a how-to section, you can also follow the progress of many experienced and new bowyers and see how they are doing things.
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum;f=125

for reflexing, deflexing and recurving bow limbs, the basic proceedure is to make a frame to which the stave is strapped, clamped and cured, to get it to take the bend permanently. there are many methods of doing this, from the use of heat boxes to soaking the stave before hand and letting it re-dry on the form.