Self Bows

[Beo]

Anyone ever made a self bow? I wanna try but don't wanna waste my time. I'd use it of course if it worked but with all my other projects time is restricting. And is it any better than my custom made long bow? Just a thought.

[FVR]

I've made a few.LOL.

Working on a sinew backed osage flatbow right now. Also walking three gents through making gemsbok horn bows over the net.

I've been making selfbows for over 10 years, IMHO, my bows for me are better than custom bows. But then, they are custom.

I prefer the 65lb draw with a sinew back as it gives me the cast that I want. I've hit targets in the kill out to 45-50 yards, first shot. But then I've been shooting my bows for awhile.

Custom made bows are real nice and expensive. That is why I started making my own.

If I can be of any help, just let me know.

[STB]

Hey
FVR thats amazing, making the bows over 10 years! and working on some now. I say you post the best advice you can about it. Like the wood and steps to making them, i realy want to make some but dont even know where to start.
Andrew

[Beo]

Thanks FVR, being a longbow nut I'll be picking your brain :)

[FVR]

That's fine, I can tell you alot of what you need to know.

I'm no bowyers bible, although I have all three editions for ref.

First thing you need to decide is what kind of wood and what kind of bow. Most times the first bow should be made of hickory and be about 70" long. Hickory is a very durable wood and you can violate the rings of the wood without alot of harm in the end. The lenth of 70" is because the longer they are, easier to pull and less bending which means less stress on the wood.

So, what kind of bows ya want to make?

[STB]

On the hunt for that nice piece of hickory wood, long bow sounds good. Ill let you know when i find one.

[FVR]

Here are a few links to Georges info., a must read if you do not have the Bowyers Bible.

Board Bows and selecting a board.http://http://mysite.verizon.net/georgeandjoni/boards.html

Bow Building Directions.http://mysite.verizon.net/georgeandjoni/directions.html

These are great starting points. Read through the articles, quick reads, and you will get an idea of what needs to be done. Then, we can start the bow building process.


George has been building bows forever and these are probably the best directions that you are going to find off the web.

If you have any questions, just ask on the board or you can email or you can call.