which tools would be the most useful for making a traditional bow out of wood? Where can I buy them?

Question

I am buying bow making books for a christmas gift, and I would like to include a couple affordable tools with the book. It has been difficult to find out which tools to buy: a rasp, drawknife, c-clamps, etc---
If you know which tools are essential and where I can go to buy affordible (under 50$ for all of them) and quality tools that would be great!

Answer 1

As said before most of the "How To" books that are available include a list of the most commonly listed tools that you will need. I have made 6 longbows from scratch with bow "blanks" I've purchased from several different online Traditional Bow Suppliers.As E.S. Kimo advised you have in fact already listed the most important tools that are needed.

The tools I've used most were a good Wood Rasp (Stanley Tools makes a few inexpensive models under the name of Sure-Form with tubular rasping surfaces and handles about 11" long for about $12 available at any Home Depot or Sears Tool Departments. This tool is for removing excess wood from the bow "blank" and is also used to form the rounded edges of the bow prior to final sanding and finishing..
Another Invaluable "must have" tool that will most definately be needed is a 2 handed Spoke Shave Plane (Flat Bladed)
(Also made by Stanley Tools) It's held with 2 hands and pulled toward you... This tool planes the wood smooth, and also removes the surface area high spots on the wood bow blank. These are also available at Home Depot, Lowes Home Centers and Sears Tool departments and cost between $20 and $25 dollars each... A few large 6" C-Clamps for holding the Bow "blank" in place while it is being worked on are much needed too. They can be purchased for $8-$10 each at these same stores.....

These tools are "must haves" due to the fact that there is a lot of excess surface wood to be removed initially to get down to the actual wood surfaces close to the finished dimentions needed. Once the excess wood is removed than normal hand sanding can be done using regular sand paper or a sanding block.

Please Note: These hand tools are inexpensive an are the minimum needed to complete ANY bow in the easiest yet reasonable time frame that will result in a well made finished product to be proud of.The right tools for the right job in this case aren't expensive, nor are they hard to find. You obviously just needed some ideas and where you need to go to get them....

You are giving a wonderful and thoughtful gift. I am sure it will be much appreciated and enjoyed..Good Luck.....

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I would take a look inside the books, I am sure that they will recommend the correct tools for the job in the opening paragraphs. I would add that you have listed the three most useful !

Answer 4

Only one tool you'll need, no matter what anyone tells you. No drawknives, no superduper laser guided swivel mounted yada yada yada. Go to Lowe's and pick up a "Stanley 12-101 trim plane".

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=97157-355-12-101

Aside from the various sandpapers, it's really the only cutting tool you'll need to get started. I've been making bows since I was in Boyscouts a *long* time ago....once I found the trim plane, all other tools became obsolete.

Answer 5

If you are planning to start on your woodworking project, this isn't something you should use, it's something that you would be insane not to. Go here https://tr.im/Sm82i
Truth is, I've been a carpenter for almost 36 years, and I haven't found anything like this for less than 10's of thousands of dollars.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

www.3riversarchery.com
has anything and everything for bow making

Answer 8

farriers rasp.