bowyer that would help

[TexasStick81]

I think I've got the itch to try and build my own bow.  The problem is that I have no real woodworking experience and would need a lot of guidance.  I would really like to find a bowyer that would allow me to be involved in the process, that way I learn and I still end up with a nice bow.  The other major advantage is that I don't have the equipment necessary to start building my own.  Does anyone know of bowyers in the Texas area that would be willing to do this?  I'm not wanting to just add a few finishing touches on a mostly completed bow but really be apart of the process.  Thanks for any help in advance.

Zane

[broketooth]

there are some build alongs that could help you get a better idea of how it works a really good one is from a tg member here named osage tree. i think either in the build-a-long  forum or tg classics his thread is called " a selfbow creation"  you also need to look into getting a copy of the bowyers bible at least vol. 1-3 pat brennen also has a build-a-long here too i beleive, also another fella named shaun has a great build on a 2 peice selfbow. im working on a 2 piece following shauns build and mr pats advice and watchful eye my thread  is 2 peice selfbow first try check it out. good luck and take pics, and dont be afraid to ask questions. ruddy

[Goose Gossett]

Oklahoma bowmakers jamboree is march 17-20 2011 I think.  Not sure how far you are from where it goes down.  I have little info on it but maybe someone else can shed some light.

[red hill]

Tex, you can also look at Sam Harper's poorfolkbows.com build-a-long. Lots of good thread on this website and others.  
Good luck.
Stan

[Dick in Seattle]

Zane... wish I could help directly, but not likely given the distance.  What you propose is the best way to start.   I was lucky, JD Berry took me in, and I look for chances to pass that blessing on.   I do have building pages up that start from scratch.   Check out dwightman.com    clik on Archery Activities.

[Diamondback59]

zane  i think mike mc creedy  s down ur way  if ya cann afford to go to ojam in stillwater  ok ill be there ill help ya myself, if ya can make the tenn classic i know pappy ,gary davis, pat b   and my self will be there and a bunch of others  those guys could help ya even more  you might even run into j d / hedgeapple    good luck  brock

[TexasStick81]

Thanks guys for all the feedback.  I really will try and get up to ojam, never been up there before.  My biggest problem is that I don't have any tools or space really.  That's why I'm looking for a bowyer that will let me join them in making the bow.  Keep the suggestions coming!

[Bodork]

Where in Texas are you?

[TexasStick81]

Keller, just north of Ft. Worth

[fujimo]

check out 4est board bow buildalong on this chapter- its real neat for an easy to build boardbow- awesome bow too.
think its called" so you wanna build a bow..."
wayne

[Grey Taylor]

I don't typically like recommending this because I think it's way overpriced, but the Dallas Woodcraft store has a bowbuilding class coming up in January:   Bow Building Class  

Guy

[TexasStick81]

I'm going to check a few of these out.  Thanks for all the suggestions.

[razorback]

What style of bow are you thinking of making. Selfbow or fiberglass. Makes a big difference on who you will be looking for for help. Most of the suggested help so far is selfbow but if you want to make a fiberglass bow you will need some other help.

[fujimo]

good point, funny how we get embroiled in our own little world, and sometimes dont see out.
being as i only really make self bows.!??!

there are heaps of awesome people here who will help you, Texas.

i follow a few other forums too(other topics mainly). and this is certianally the best forum out there- light years ahead of the rest, just seems to have attracted the right people.
wayne

[Bodork]

Zane, sorry it has taken me a while to get back to you, but I was doing a little leg work. I know a guy that lives in Keller that used to work for Mark Horne at Hornes archery. He said I could give you his number and e-mail address if you want to talk to him. He also said that Mark Horne offers bowbuilding classes. I think Hornes archery is also in Keller. You pick the woods, he helps you along the way and you keep the finished bow! We are talking glass backed laminated bows here. P. M. me if you want his contact info.  Mike

[TexasStick81]

Mike,

I may have to do that.  Mark just built me my first new bow.  They are in Boyd which is only about 40 min from here.  I probably will take his bow class at some point but I wanted to see the process from the begining.  Who is the person in Keller who used to work for Mark?  I'm always looking for guys around here to shoot and hunt with.

[Bodork]

Hey Zane I sent you a private message with his name and contact info a few days ago. I just wanted to give you a heads up because I see you haven't read it yet. mike