Where to start?................anyone in Missoula?

[MTArrowLauncher]

I would like to make a self bow, but I have no idea where to start. Are there any "must read" books or other resources? I have been trying to find a person to help me and show me the ropes, but don't know anyone who makes bow or even shoots trad. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Roy from Pa]

I would start with this book set.

 http://www.3riversarchery.com/Traditional+Bowyer%27s+Bible+Complete+Set_i5366-3_baseitem.html

[Roy from Pa]

Here is another good book.

 http://www.3riversarchery.com/The+Bent+Stick%2C+Making+and+Using+Wooden+Hunting+Bows_i6997_baseitem.html

[Roy from Pa]

I am sure someone here is from Montana and will help you out soon also.

[Red Tailed Hawk]

Roy gave you some great books to start with. I own them all.

[Roy from Pa]

And here is a good DVD.

 http://search.3riversarchery.com/search#p=R&w=ratt&url=http%3a%2f%2fsearch.3riversarchery.com%2fsearch%3fw%3drattlestick%2520a%2520self%2520bow%2520tutorial%26ts%3dajax&rk=2&uid=34 2116775&ts=rac&rt=racsug&rsc=WWz7S7zMf-TlIhXU&asug=rattle  stick bows&apelog=yes

[Roy from Pa]

LOL Cody, ya haven't built a bow yet and I just gave ya about $200.oo worth of book material to buy:) Ya sure ya wanna do this? The last one I posted, the DVD is good and if ya hate to read like I do, it would get you headed in the right direction.

[MTArrowLauncher]

Lol. Seems like every new hobby venture costs me a bunch before I even start    

My wife doesn't even ask anymore. I'm a poor guy though so I'll save up for the next while I'm reading the first. :lol:

[mwosborn]

If you only want to buy one - I would go with the DVD that Roy suggested.  It will give you very good overall guidelines for making your first bow.

[D]

To be honest I've hear those books are great and I'm sure the DVD is good too but there is enough knowledge on here to get you through it.  There's not better way to learn than hands on in my opinion.  The people on here are some of the nicest you will ever find and are always willing to help.  Just go for it.

[MTArrowLauncher]

Thanks guys.

[red hill]

Cody, try the local library for any books on archery and bowyery. If they don't have any of their own, they should be able to do an
inter-library-loan from other libraries.  We borrow books from all over the U.S. in this manner. Usually only costs postage for the book.

[SportHunter]

Read through as many online build-a-longs as you can find. There are plenty out here.

[John Scifres]

Cutting Wood  

  Roughing out a Bow  

  Tiller 101  

  from Blank to Bow  

Have fun!

[Mark Baker]

Pm'd you Cody....

[MTArrowLauncher]

Thanks a lot fellas!

[wapiti]

Look for Jim Rempp (Hamstring Archery) in Missoula. He is one of the top self bowyers in the world. He does little self promotion as his focus is building self bows.

[vampire]

I just started last year. The Rattle Stick DVD was very helpful. I also read the Bowyer's Bible. Don't get discouraged if the first couple of bows break or end up less than 30 pounds. That is one lesson I learned from the folks on Tradgang. Keep trying and asking questions. My first two bows have been build with a hatchet, #49 Nicholson wood rast, a farrier rast, rat-tail file, scraper, tilering string and tilering stick. 3 Rivers sales all these for about $150. Don't buy the tilering stick, you can build your own. I built a bench and tilering tree from pictures on Tradgang and Primative Archer magazine, not fancy, but practical. LOL