Building First Bow---I Need Help

[Divinecedar]

I've been shooting longbows for a long time and really enjoy it. Now, I happened into a really nice piece of cedar and would like to attempt to build bow. I am looking for the simplest design possible. My uncle is a bowyer and will be able to help me out to some degree. However, I would really like this to be an independent project. Does anyone know where to get plans for a flatbow? I never had one and would love to give it a try. Is it a relatively simple design to makes? Thanks a lot!    

[Pat B]

I'm assuming you want to build a self or backed bow and not a glass bow.  What kind of cedar is your stave? If it is Eastern Red Cedar(Juniperus virginiana)you can build a nice backed bow with a hickory(elm or ash also) backing or if a stave a good self bow. Start out at 68" if you have that much length. Mark the center of the stave and I go 2" above center and 2" below center for the handle(others do this different). Then go 2" part that for the fades(where the handle "fades" into the limb). At that point you want the limb to be at lease 1 1/2" wide(a bit wider is preferable) out at least half of the limb then taper to 1/2" tips.
   Any other "cedar" I wouldn't use for a bow.    Pat

[Divinecedar]

I was leaning towards the self-bow with Red Cedar...

Thanks

[Pat B]

Eastern or Western red cedar? There is a big difference.

[Divinecedar]

Heck if I know...I'm in Oklahoma...does that help?

I am relatively certain it is Eastern Cedar now...

[Divinecedar]

Just did a search on flatbows---I came up with the Shere Kahn bow that you built...that is awesome!

[Pat B]

Thanks.   ERC makes an excellent bow especially if it is relatively knot free.  
How much sapwood(thick) is on the stave?

[Divinecedar]

I currently am at college and my dad just informed me that he acquired the wood, so I am uncertain at this time. From what I would get from him, it is about 8" x 84", but I am not for sure about the amount of sapwood.