has anyone here ever built a long bow from scratch?

Question

Would like to build one for the art of it and need some advice to get going. I liove in the Sierra mountain range and would only have access to wood native to this area. Thanks

Answer 1

Try here-

http://www.kustomkingarrows.com/

or-

http://www.3riversarchery.com/Cat.asp?c=6&s=0&p=0

I'd really like to get into this myself.I'd order up a book and go over the steps before undertaking such a task.I've ordered things from Kustom King before.A very good company to do business with.I thumbed through my Traditional Bowhunter magazine for a big supplier's ad and 3 Rivers was the first one I came across,so I've no dealings with them.

Found this too-

http://www.murraygaskins.com/bow-bld.html

Hope this'll get ya started.

Answer 2

There are organizations dedicated to bow building and publications supporting this. Yahoo a few terms and you'll find them.

Generally, long bows are built by laminating thin veneers with epoxy resin in a jig and then shaping and finishing them. Sometimes, fiberglass laminates are part of the lay-up schedule. Obviously, the best woods are those that are strong and stiff, yet have the ability to bend and come back to their original shape when released. Yew and Osage orange have been used. You may not be able to find these in the Sierra.

Answer 3

I did build one when I was about 16. It did work, I used Redoak. Not sure it the best wood, but, hey, I was16!!! I did not laminate it, it just a wood bow. I tried to have the grain "perpendicular" to the face, I think that the correct word. But, this about all I know, it was fun and I have the bow still, I just not use it. There probably some places on the Inet that may give some pointers, if, no one help you here. But, do try this, even if it only once and you just use it a few times and hang it on the wall.

Answer 4

Osage Orange or Bodark, Bois d'arc, scientific name Maclura pomifera is such awesome wood to work with and make incredible bows. If you can't find it growing locally, you can search the internet and find people who are selling staves that are ready to carve into a bow. I have seen them for sale on eBay before, so check there. I keep a lot of it on hand for my personal projects, but I don't sell any because it is difficult to find the perfect piece, so I hang on to what I have collected. It is beautiful wood and very, very dense. It is bright yellow when fresh cut, but will darken to an incredible orange/brown color when aged. Do some research on self bows and Osage Orange and you will not be disappointed. Making your own bow is a satisfying experience that will leave you with a work of art that you can use and enjoy for the rest of your life. Good luck!