Old but just getting started

[Odyssey12]

I am 71 years old.  Been shooting bows and bow hunting since my early 20’s.  Mostly traditional, but exclusive traditional the last 10 years.  In all this time I have yet to build a bow.  I’m interested in building a self bow.  I’m sure this question could get many different answers.  What would be the best reference material (book, CD, etc.) for me to get started?   I like materials that are easy to understand and direct to the point.

[Forwardhandle]

Well you came to the right place , a lot of old timers around here  I have a vast library of bow building books but the one that's close to my heart & a simple strait forward  book that I first read when I started was the Bent Stick by Paul Comstock, I read the book in a couple hours & got a shootable bow the same day ! There are many other books I could recommend but that's the one that comes to mind given your stated criteria !

[Bob D]

I have never built a self bow but I did enjoy Glenn St Charles “Billets to Bow” which is still available in DVD from 3 Rivers. It also has a companion book that I thought informative and entertaining.
Good luck with your adventure
—-Bob D.

[Odyssey12]

Thanks a bunch for the feeback

[bucknut]

Dean Torges Hunting the Osage bow is a dandy if you can get ahold of one.  I've read mine half a dozen times.  Rattlestick by Gary Davis is a very good DVD too.

[Pat B]

Also the Traditional Bowyers Bible series of 4 books. Each book has many authors each with a different topic of pertinent information.  You may find some of these books at your local library or they can order them.

[Mad Max]

Used one's on Amazon

[buckeyebowhunter]

The bowyers bible's are good but a little difficult to understand when you're first getting started,  at least for me they were.  Clay Hayes has a book out called the Traditional Bowyers handbook, easy to understand and read. Plus he has many YouTube videos that will help. Good luck.

[Wolftrail]

Never to old as the saying goes.  Welcome to the addiction,  I started when I was about 54.  Doing woodwork is what got me started the rest is history.    I do not have any books as such but bought  a lot of Magazines on the subject.   YouTube has a vast network of guys on there building self bows, laminate bows etc………  That's all I  do now for any reference,  kick back on the couch and watch YT.

[George Tsoukalas]

Glad to hear you are wanting to build a bow.
You may want to begin with bad bows.
Comstock's book will give you a good start.
Also, here is my site.
Jawge
http://traditionalarchery101.com

[Pat B]

George's site will give you lots of good info and get you started and walk you through the process.