kids board bow step by step....

[hardwaymike]

Wondering if anyone would like to do a step by step build along for a kids board bow. I have 3 ankle biters that want their own bow like dads. The only problem with that is the only option other than buying elcheapo glass throw aways is to build them due to lack of $$$flow. So, if anyone is wanting to make a kids board bow and knows how to post pics here, it would be greatly appreciated by myself and 3 kids. And probly a lot of other parents that frequent this site. Especially with the lack of jobs out there these days. Thanks for any and all info posted from here on out, Mike.

[hova]

you can pretty much follow any buildalong already up , and just adjust the dinmensions.

we would at the very least need an age and  draw length. also what kinds of wood are available to you.


-hov

[William F. Adams]

Basic instructions here:

 http://www.stickbow.com/stickbow/selfbows/beginnings.html

more information here:

 http://www.murraygaskins.com/durable.html

I like the old book _The Flatbow_:

 http://www.archerylibrary.com/books/flatbow/

William

[hardwaymike]

Well I have not selected any wood yet because I wanted more info on which one would be best for this project. I also do not plan on starting for a couple of weeks due to the lack of a workspace. Right now I am trying to take the steps in the right direction to finding out what all I need to get this project started. The draw lengths are around 18-20 inches. And I would like to have the draw weights around 10-15 pounds. The kids are 3,5 and 7 so I want them to have the instant satisfaction that they are always looking for. As in being able to do it and not necessarily doing it well. Just to get the correct form and the concept under their belt to see if they are actually interested in it or if they are just trying to do what dad does,ya know. Thanks for the input so far guys, it is very much appreciated. The Dean Torges article was kind of helpful but I don't do so well with reading then applying, I am much more a seeing then applying kind of learner. So are their any dvd's out there that have a kind of step by step or no? Again thanks to everyone so far, Mike.

[hova]

if they are 3 5 and 7 , i would get yourself some hicory or oak (im just guesstimating with this..) , and cut it like they say on the dean torges one.

most places dont call their plain sawn lumber "plain sawn" , its just "lumber" . i think sam harper or someone on *********** did a beginners bow build-along kind of thing , very similar to dean torges , where he cuts backing strips from a plain sawn , and uses the other pieces for the belly. this is what i would do for a kids bow , especially if i had to make 3 or more.


what kind of tools / woodworking stuff do you have? clamps? table saw or  bandsaw?

this all helps give us an idea.


there is also rattan , that i hear is durable and inexpensive.


basically if i was you , depending on what wood you have available , id make them bend through the handle bows , and use dowels for arrows for right now. if they really dig it , get something as close to indestructable or cheap as you can... i was out today hunting with bowmofo , and while just standing there takin in the scenery and whatnot , i grabbed a dried cattail stalk , cleaned it up , and cut a little half-nock into it , and surprisingly it flew very well with no fletch , randomly cut to whatever length , and only half a nock. i really expected it to jusut snap and fold in half.


theres lots of help here , we just need to know what youre workin with so we dont tell you to go buy a bandsaw...yet...

[hova]

Originally posted by hardwaymike:
.......I am much more a seeing then applying kind of learner. So are their any dvd's out there that have a kind of step by step or no? Again thanks to everyone so far, Mike.

oh for a build along thats easily interpreted , search google for "po folk bows " or sam harper. very detailed explanation , but very understandable to a new builder. he also keeps the tool count minimal with the first couple , and adds in a new one every so often ...

-hov

[macbow]

Mike those are the perfect ages for the red oak kids bows, the easiest to build.
 
 

Go to Lowes etc. and look through the 1/4 inch by 2 inch red oak 4 foot long. You may have to go through the entire stack to find 3 or 4 that have the grain running straight the length of the slat.
If you have access to a band saw or table saw then you could buy 3/4 inch stock and rip it.

The bows are easy. mark the centre at 2 foot. measure 2 inches each side for a 4 inch handle. Measure an additional 1 1/2 inches each side for the fades.
Mark the centre of each end of the board and draw 1/4 inch on each side of centre for a total width of 1/2 inch
Do this on both ends.
From the fade mark draw a line down each limb to the outer marks at the tip. do all four lines.
Cut it out. you now have a pyramid design that usually requires no tillering adjustment. cut in string knock grooves.
Make and glue on a handle area.
Ron

[macbow]

Here is a little more on the same design.
Ron

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=035877

[KellyG]

Macbow that looks very cool I will have to remember that. I am think once I get back I have several neighors who have little once that need bows and I need to make some. Win win as long as the parents don't shut me down.

Mike,
anothe option is the PVC bow I think the youner two would love them. Sorr I dont have the link but seach it here and it will pop up. It is easier then the above. PVC, wooden dowles or plugs, cord for string, and foam for and handl/rest.
Some paint and I think they all would be shooting in an hour from start to finish.
Kelly

[hardwaymike]

MacBow, that will be a very helpful thread  to me that elk ninja wrote. Thank you for posting that here.

By the way my uncle is within driving distance and he has a lot of the necessary wood working tools to help me complete my little project. I know for sure that he has a planer and a sander and I am pretty sure that he has a band saw if not my brother has a table saw that I can use. This is starting to get exciting, for me anyways! I am pretty sure that I am way more excited than the kids are.

KellyG, good idea with the pvc bow. I might try that one for the little guys and do just one of the ones from above that will definately be passed down to the other two if I don't have to just start out with 3 of the wood ones. Where abouts in the sandbox are ya? I've rolled around in that same sandbox a couple of times myself. Keep your head down and Thanks for everything!

[KellyG]

well this time Kirkuk. It aint the same as even a year ago. They are serious I think about the Iraqis taking charge and us coming out.

[macbow]

If you get the little bows built you might want to back them with glued on brown paper. Then the kids can decorate them and make them their own.

One thing about these bows after you exercise them to the desired draw length. You'll know if their going to make it. They will break during the test or do OK as long as not over drawn.
I've made about 30 of these and have used them at events where all different sized kids show up. 1/4 inch wood arrows are great out of them.
Ron

[hardwaymike]

macbow: how do you go about putting on the paper backing? Just carpenters glue and paper?

KellyG: The first time I was there was in 2003 and we were everywhere hauling the 4th's stuff around and we helped haul a hospital to anaconda. It was the one that they did the HBO special on so that was kinda cool. The last time was in bucca where all the mud wresteling went down,lol. We were there in 2008 and Iraq was a totally different place that time around. I couldn't believe how boring it could be at times. Well compared to the first time anyways, not saying we didn't have anything to do while we were there. But we might as well have been stateside/garrison with all of the micromanagement that went on. I am sure you understand how that is going,lol. Do they have a range to shoot at where you are? If so, do you have your bow over there with you? Just holler if you need ANYTHING. I will do my best to get it to ya      

[hardwaymike]

Originally posted by hova:
 

[QB]

oh for a build along thats easily interpreted , search google for "po folk bows " or sam harper. very detailed explanation , but very understandable to a new builder. he also keeps the tool count minimal with the first couple , and adds in a new one every so often ...

-hov [/b]

     ROFLMFAO!!!        

I just searched google for that and got F*** tha PO PO...
For future refrence for everyone else it is "Poor folk bows"

[macbow]

Mike , Yes just put a layer of glue on the bow to "size" it like doing wallpaper. then coat the paper and apply. work out the wrinkles etc.
I've read about the paper but usually use some sort of cloth myself. with either it's a little more insurance from splinters.
It won't keep a bow from breaking if it's drawn too far but reduces risk.
Ron

[hardwaymike]

macbow: I like the idea with the dual shelf also,eiser to hand down that way.

What are a few "HAND" tools that you guys would reccomend? Ihave an idea and good reason to make these bows so I am thinking about jumping in with both feet. Might as well right,lol?

Thanks for all the help guys, Mike.

[hardwaymike]

TTT

[macbow]

Mike, The two way shelf is pretty good on the light bows. Any time I get closer to 15# I just remove some wood like shooting off the fist and add leather layers glued on.

Tools: A decent rasp, a scraper. chain saw file for nocks, Tile saw blade on hacksaw to start nock grooves,

Truthfully these kids bows are mostly made on the power tools. Band saw,belt sander,disc sander and oscillating sander for the handle area.

Very little scraping due to the profile.
Ron

[hardwaymike]

Thanks Ron. I am looking around to see what I can find a few of these power tools for this. I am thinking that I am going to build some extras for the local 4h archery classes. Plus I think that is a sure way into Worlds Best Uncle. lol
So where should I start with for a pattern for these bows?

[hardwaymike]

Another question, would a portable jig saw be a sufficent stand-in for a band saw? Trying to get dual usage out of these tools until I get my own shed/shop thats big enough to hold the bigger tools.