Selfwood long bow

[tsissar]

Hello guys, I am new to the forum and relatively new to the bowing (been doing for the past few months).

I've been shooting from the 50 pounds selfwood hickory longbow for few months now, and I like it a lot, though it is cheap **** build bow. Recently I started looking for the heavier pull bow 65 pounds plus. Few weeks ago I ordered another selfwood longbow from ****. The bow was supposed to be 80 pounds pull. When I got the bow I realized right away it is much heavier bow, I clocked it at over 100 pounds. Also the lower limb is 3" shorter than the upper limb :-). So I guess you can say I was very disappointed and requested my money back.
So instead of getting another poorly build bow I want to spend a little more money and get a good selfbow, however I only get references for the laminated multilayered bows.
I would like to continue stay as traditional as possible and want to get a selfwood longbow. I could not find any reputable builders here in US that build good selfwood bows. Anyone knows good selfwood bow builders? If so please let me know. I would really appreciate your help.

Thanks.

[stringstretcher]

You might look up Gary Davis for premium osage staves.

[tsissar]

Thank you stringstretcher,

However, at this time I prefer to buy ready to shoot long bow from reputable source instead of building my own. Eventually I will try and use a stave to build my own bow, but that is in the future.

[b.glass]

You might look into Dryad Bows, a sponsor here. I don't remember how high thier poundage goes but they are very reputable.

[k-hat]

if you're at all inclined to building them, just go on and make it.  You can buy any necessary tools, a hickory board, and string for a lot less than you're going to spend on a decent bow, and learn the fine art of bowyering in the process.  You can have your new bow shooting in about a week or less, depending on you're time constraints.  There are plenty of build-alongs and how-to's on here and everyone is very willing to help you in the process.  

[b.glass]

I was just checking out Dryad's site. The Kiowa is thier selfbow but I couldn't find out anything other than that. I guess you would have to contact them.

Like k-hat says, make one yourself!

[tsissar]

Thanks b.glass

I will write to Dryad's.
I am new to the bowing, hence, before I make myself a bow I want to ensure that I shoot straight :-), and it if I don't its me and now bow :-).

[PEARL DRUMS]

Ed Scott, Pine Hollow Longbows, Rudder Bows, Mystic Longbows, Two Tracks Bow & Wool. The list goes on and on. There is no such thing as a "selfwood" longbow. That is probably why your search comes up empty.

[tsissar]

Originally posted by PEARL DRUMS:
Ed Scott, Pine Hollow Longbows, Rudder Bows, Mystic Longbows, Two Tracks Bow & Wool. The list goes on and on. There is no such thing as a "selfwood" longbow. That is probably why your search comes up empty.

What should I'be been looking for? I thought that non laminated selfboows called selfwood to distinguish them from layered bows.

[fujimo]

try your search for self bows, or wood  bows.
but bert frelink- is a professional bowyer  (a member on this site- search for his name)- and really makes awesome self bows- really well made- and reasonable pricing too- check him out.
wayne

[gringol]

Ted Fry at Raptor Archery might be worth a shot as well (also a sponsor).  I've never purchased one of his bows, but I've been buying arrows and supplies from him for years and have never had a problem.

[monterey]

Originally posted by tsissar:
 

Originally posted by PEARL DRUMS:
Ed Scott, Pine Hollow Longbows, Rudder Bows, Mystic Longbows, Two Tracks Bow & Wool. The list goes on and on. There is no such thing as a "selfwood" longbow. That is probably why your search comes up empty.

What should I'be been looking for? I thought that non laminated selfboows called selfwood to distinguish them from layered bows. [/b]

He's saying that the correct term is "self bow" meaning it is made form a single piece of wood.  When you use the term "selfwood" the searches will think it is a species of wood.

Hope that helps.

[KellyG]

tsissar,
Don't sell your self short. Here is a link to my success with a self bow. It is my first trad year, and I did it with a bow I built.

It is not easy but it is no harder then working cars.

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=110580

And the satisfaction from shooting a bow you built is just great.

[red hill]

I agree with everyone else.  There are lots of guys listed here that can make you a nice bow, but you could make one yourself.  You can make a hickory backed hickory bow for around $60. With help from the guys on here you will make out well.
I suggest a backed bow for your first because there's less risk of back failure.  You won't have to worry so much about grain run-off and it's a great way to learn.

[Sal]

If you want to stay more local, and perhaps even handle the bows before purchase, you can contact Richard Saffold.  He's an experienced bowyer who makes exactly the type of bow you're looking for.

[tsissar]

Originally posted by Sal:
If you want to stay more local, and perhaps even handle the bows before purchase, you can contact Richard Saffold.  He's an experienced bowyer who makes exactly the type of bow you're looking for.

Does Richard have a different forum name?

[Sal]

He posts as Rich Saffold, but he hasn't posted much lately.  He's been busy teaching bowmaking classes at his local community college.

Look up Richard's bowyery for information.

[tsissar]

Originally posted by Sal:
He posts as Rich Saffold, but he hasn't posted much lately.  He's been busy teaching bowmaking classes at his local community college.

Look up Richard's bowyery for information.

Thank you. I send Richard email.