Self bow ?

[jt85]

My buddies Dad dug up his old self bow the other day , this bow is probably better than 50 years old still looks in good shape but the wood is very dried out. My question is what would be the best way to go about getting this bow back in shooting condition? I'd sure love to put some arrows threw it.

[mikkekeswick]

First thing to do is string it with a longer than normal string. You want something like a 2 - 3 inch brace height.
String it then leave it alone for half a day.
Do the same the next day .
Then increase your brace height by another inch.
String it and leave it.
Once you get to brace height (6 inch or so) then you can start to pull it a few inches. Gradually but only very gradually work it back to full draw.

Basically on old unused bows the belly will act stiffer due to the belly 'relaxing' over time. If you were to string it then pull it to full draw without all the exercising then the back would feel more tension than it would once everything is rebedded in = potential blow out!

[Bowjunkie]

Since you said it was very dry, before I ever strung it, even low, I would let it spend plenty of time someplace where the relative humidity was above 50%. Then I'd treat it like Mike said.

Any idea what kind of wood it's made of?

[jt85]

Thanks guys. I believe it is made of Bodark but will check

[Eric Krewson]

Don't leave your bow strung, unstring it after every use. After you break it in leaving it strung for 8 hours is OK, but put it up unstrung.

[Pat B]

Will you post pics. A lot of old bows are lemonwood but folks think it is osage. Is it dark, almost black or dark gold?

[frank bullitt]

Being that your from the Cherokee nation area, and your last name is youngblood. I would guess it is hedge, osage, bowdark.

Home of well known Al Herrin.

I would treat as advised here!

[jt85]

That's right Frank, matter of fact i was going to take it to Mr.Herrin this week and have him look it over for me.