Reading material

[flyboy61]

In preparation for making my own bow(s) would it be a good start to buy The Traditional Bowyer's Bible, Vol. 1?  Do vols. 2,3 and 4 just reiterate and update the information in #1?

Any other recommendations for basic-basic instruction materials?

[Uncle Buck]

The Bent Stick by Comstock inexpensive and comprehensive. Also check out the thread here "so you want to build a bow". One resource most people overlook is the public library. if they dont have a book they can usually get it through a national library lending system. You usually just have to pay the postage.

[c'ville]

The Traditional Bowyer's Bible vol 1. is a great resource. You dont need to buy the next three right away as they go into more complicated types of builds.  I have not personally read the bent stick yet, but have heard lots of good things about it.  

     Definately put in the time going through the threads here on Trad Gang.  As Uncle Buck mentioned, the 'so you want to build a bow' thread is a great build along to read and to follow as you build a bow.  There is an absolute wealth of information here as well as some very good bowyers.  Check the archived build along threads as they can show you many different bows and different problems you may encounter and how to overcome them.

    Also, dont be afraid to ask if there is anyone from the gang that is close enough to get together and make some shavings.  I met a good friend through Trad Gang and he has taught me a lot about bows in a lot less time than it would have taken me to learn on my own.

Building bows is like eating potato chips, cant make just one.

[Pat B]

TBI is a real good start as is The Bent Stick by Comstock. TBBIV updates what was written in TBI, II, III plus a few new bow building ideas.