I need help with my first bow build.

[TimTodd]

Hello, I'm new to this forum.
I want to build a self bow. I have a few skinny pieces of hickory and a slightly larger piece of oak. Any advice will help. I understand the basic process, but any advice on tools to use would be helpful. I also need to know how long I have to wait for the wood to dry, or if I can make that go by faster. and what is tillering?

[TimTodd]

Oh, and I suppose this could turn in to a sort of build a long, if you guys help me get started I'll post pictures as I build.

[Dano]

First thing, buy the book "Traditional Bowyers Bible volume 1" then you'll understand the process even better, and it will be a whole lot easier to help you build a bow. That's how most of us started out.

[TimTodd]

I appreciate that advice.
Assuming I'm broke, are there any tips?
Haha.
I've read I can go ahead and rough out the shape,
and then dry the wood over a fire.
Is that true?

[TimTodd]

Another question I have: While I'm stretching/bending the wood (I forgot the actual term, where you put the bow on a piece of wood and gradually move the string farther down) how long should I wait between notches?
Also, are there any rules for length and girth of the bow?

[macbow]

Tim,
If you can't afford the books right now, I'd suggest using the internet.

There are so many little things you need to know just to have a chance.

Look back at the early posts here there is a month worth of reading. Also take advantage of primitivearchery.com There are many build alongs there also.
Look up George Tsoukalas site it is very good.

The process you asked about is using a tillering stick, the time between how far you pull the new bow is determined by the tiller.

If you were close I'd help you with what little I've learned so far. Seek out a mentor in your area.
Ron

[George Tsoukalas]

Thanks, Ron. You'll get lots of help here. Here's my site. Jawge
 http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/

[James Varner]

Sam Harper has a nice build along posted on tillertree.com or you can google red oak board bow for Sams own website. Lots of good stuff on there.

[TimTodd]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate all of the advice. I've done a lot of research online, and I figure my best bet right now is just trial and error, and learning as I go. I'll post pictures and ask questions as I build. I would appreciate anyone who wants to check back and help me out. Thanks again.

[TimTodd]

Ah, but the only thing I'm trying to decide right now is if I should just do a self bow, or if I should back it with something. It seems like backing it in the middle would make it stronger and keep the handle area from bending as well. Any thoughts? and if that's what I do would a regular wood glue be okay, if not what should I use?

[Pennsyltuckey pete]

Tim

If I may offer my $.02.

 Build a bow with the intent of backing it.  Try and find the best piece of wood that you can and then try and build the best bow that you can.  One that would not need to be backed.  If you manage to get to the point where you are going to back the bow and it looks like it will not need it you can continue with the project either way. Backed or un backed.  As for regular wood glue I have used the Titebond 2 for applying my backings.  I like the texture of burlap. It takes stain or paint nicely.

pete

pete

[TimTodd]

Thanks, I like that advice.

I was looking around the site at some other people's build-alongs and it's almost disheartening, there are some incredibly beautiful bows here, but I have to start somewhere.

[limbcracker]

A good basic layout for a hickory or oak flat bow, aiming for about 50lbs draw weight, is 70" long, 68 nock to nock, 2 inches wide, the handle needs to be about an inch thick to make 50lbs, if its thinner, you can glue a piece of wood about eight inches long on the center, on the belly side, the side that will face you when you shoot the bow. taper the sides from the handle to the tips in two straight lines, leaving the tips about 1/2 wide. That will be a good start. Good luck. Kirk

[Pennsyltuckey pete]

Tim,

I didn't build bows for years because I didn't have the tools, then I didn't have the time, then I was intimidated by what I saw on the net.  Like you said everyone has to start somewhere.  My first bow looked great right up till it was strung.  HINGE CITY! The next one lasted about 2 weeks before it cracked and that was it for that one.  THen I built a Hicksory self bow and took my time.  Followed Paul Comstocks directions for a whitewood bow.  I shot that one for about two years before it broke because I was stupid.  I guess what I am trying to say is JUST DO IT.  The only failure is in not trying.  Like Edison said, "Each light bulb that failed was a success because he knew one more way you could not build a light bulb."

Good luck and I look forward to seeing your future post on wood selection for your bow.

pete

[TimTodd]

Thank you both, I appreciate the positive reinforcement, and tips. I will start tomorrow and see what happens. I'll be sure to post pictures. Thanks again. And again, anyone else feel free to comment with tips or advice.

[Eric Krewson]

The tillering gizmo mentioned in the above thread will really help you with your first bow.

If you don't have the tools to make one PM me and I will send you one.

[Dano]

Here's a little video of a fine bowyer, you might get something out of it.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QB_EQP3FoHw&feature=player_embedded