RECURVE/LONGBOW HYBRID

[Wingless Arrow]

so i decided to have a go at making a bow. i found a straight tree out back and went to work. i know not every wood will make a good bow, i was just working with what i have. im not even sure what kind of wood i have now, so if anyone knows that would be great!

this is the tree and some of its leaves, if you know it please tell me.
   
 
this is the section i am using for the bow, the other piece is just too twisted. i cut off that big twist you see at the bottom.
   


this is the side view of the piece i am using, its already got a natural recurve to it.
   

here is both of them side-by-side. they are 8 feet long.
   

i started chipping away at the stave, and cut it down to 76 inches, i think. its still pretty long but its managable. im aiming for a recurve/longbow hybrid. any advice is greatly appreciated! i am very new to making bows, but i have quite a bit of experience with wood.

i am probably going to back it with sinew, but im not sure that i want to waste it on this bow because it probably wont be good, or last long. but please let me know what you think!

[Pat B]

The wood looks like hickory. Should make a good bow.

[red hill]

Yep, Pat pegged it, that's hickory. Don't short change your stave. Let it season and it'll make a bow. I have several hickory staves from last year. I cut one down for backings, the thin strips dry quickly.

[Wingless Arrow]

Thank you both! i thought it might have been a hickory, but a buddy of mine kept convincing me otherwise. i'll keep you guys posted as i progress. i will put up some new pictures soon.

[Wingless Arrow]

so, i desperatly need a draw knife, unfortunately, my local stores dont carry any. i checked, both, lowes and homedepot. does any one have any creative ideas for a good substitute? i tried using just one of my knives, but it was hard to get through all of the tough spots smoothly.

-john

[eagleone]

check antique dealers- they usually have draw knives

[Wingless Arrow]