Best place to find wood for making a bow?

[AndrewArcher]

Hey there everyone. So my interest in selfbows was sparked a while ago, and I have been doing lots of reading on the subject. I ordered all four volumes of the traditional bowyers bible, and am expecting them to arrive today    :D

I'm planning on stocking up on bow staves, since I'm sure I'll probably end up butchering one or two beyond repair. but I can't seem to find a place to get them at.

I know you can order them online, but since I'm 17, I don't have a whole lot of money right now. I would be able to afford them if I were just paying for the staves, but shipping is rather expensive.

I'm thinking hickory will be good for my first bows.

So I was just wondering, where do you usually obtain your staves from?

And I know I can make board bows, however the margin for error seems to be less than that of a stave.

So, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Pat B]

For your first bow I would suggest you reading George Tsoukalas' website. He will teach you everything you need to know about wood bow building from picking out a stave(or board) to finishing the bow. You can buy red oak boards from Lowe's or Home Depot for very little money. Get the basics of setting up the bow to proper tillering with this inexpensive wood first then put out for a quality stave.
  If you have a specialty lumber company near by see if they will let you pick through their stack of hickory. Read George's site first so you will know what to look for. You can get a few bows from one 5/4"x 6"x10' board and it will probably cost you about $30 or so.

[Stiks-n-Strings]

You also need to read Dean torges' book Hunting the Osage Bow and "The Bent Stick"

 Depending on what part of Ohio your in you probably have alot of bow wood growing around you.
 
 Just spend plenty of time here and the fellers on the bench will get you going good.

 I'll send you a PM as well

[snakebit40]

I suggest a Board bow. You can buy a board for less than 10 bucks. Do a search or go here-
 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000122

[snakebit40]

Good luck I'm a newbie and I'm starting with the boards too! Have fun

[Grey Taylor]

Board bows are a great way to learn the basics of design, tool use, and the all-important tiller. If you screw it up you're down about $7 and some time. Screw up a split stave and you could be out some serious money.
Board bows aren't sexy but they work great and teach you a lot. When you can make a good board bow then you're ready for a stave bow.

Guy

[AndrewArcher]

Thanks for the link snakebit40!

I'm going to home depot today  :D

Thanks every one.

[PEARL DRUMS]

Board bows are a PERFECT place to start. Its all symmetrical and much easier to tiller. I would try to find some hickory boards if I was starting out again. Red oak will work, but be SURE the grain is perfect or you are wasting time on a bow that will break during the building process. White oak would be best if you can get that variety rather.

[Jermcramp1]

4est tracker here,  
poorfolksbows.com,
youtube boarriorbows, primitivepathways

I made 3 board bows and am now working on my first stave. My first was boarriors build along.

[ozarkcherrybow1]

I must just be spoiled here in Arkansas.  Best way I know to "stock up" is to cut your own. some of my best bows came from a mulberry tree that a tornado blew over! Trees are abundant and many species make great bows. Power companies are always clearing tree line and good wood may be found through them. Just keep your eyes open and you'll find em..Terry