In need of a teacher

[nc recurveman]

I have made this request a couple of years ago maybe we have a new ganger close to home. I really would like to learn how to make a bow- self or otherwise.Unfortunately I'm a hands on learner, it's just the way god made me lol. I live near the outer bank of nc and am willing to pay for my education. I can read all the books and build alongs in the world, but its not going to get thru this extra thick hat holder of mine.

[Whip]

If you feel like traveling Wisconsin Traditional Archers does a bow building jamboree each spring.  No cost other than whatever donation you care to make, and plenty of great teachers to learn from.  But I'm guessing you'll find something much closer to home - there are lots of good self bowyers around here.

You might try posting this same thread in the Bowyer's Bench forum here.

[Mudd]

Cleve I am the same way!

I might even be a little dyslexic so reading something doesn't always get through nearly as effectively.

If I can't get the "word picture" then the chances are that I'm going to be lost and frustrated.

But I have some encouraging information for you. You can do it! Here's how.....

Start by telling yourself that it's just a stick and don't elevate it beyond anything else in your mind other than a stick. The next thing to tell yourself is "I'm going to try"!!

I love a good campfire and if I fail enough times I'll have a nice one to burn some hotdogs over..lol

Get yourself a cheap full length mirror that you can fasten to or lean against the wall at floor level. I found it was a bunch easier to see my early floor tillering if I stood in front of one and watched my bow working in the mirror rather than trying to see the whole bow by looking down on it.

Next, figure out a good wall you can fasten a tillering tree(it really works better if the wall has straight lines that run horizontally). Attach a pulley near the bottom so you can put a rope through it. Now you can stand a ways back from your "stick" when you pull on the rope.Watching the limbs of your "stick" work is real easy to see at a this distance.

If you already shoot a bow then you know what one is supposed to look and feel like. Don't let the thoughts of failure stop you from starting until you can find a mentor.

I'm telling you all of this from  my personal experience. It's my opinion that about the only true way you can fail is...... to fail to try.

I believe you can do it even if the 1st attempt or two isn't what you want to end up with, at least by then you'll know what doesn't work.

My nickels worth!

God bless,Mudd

PS: If you want to talk to someone during the process just e-mail me and I'll send you a phone number where I can be reached almost all the time.

[nc recurveman]

I really apprecaite the advise Mr. Roy. Whip I think wiscosin my be a little beyond my reach lol. I'm sure I can make a bow it's just a matter of shorting the learning curve for me a little lol. The other thing is a limited amount of noted bow wood in the area, round here cypress, gums and pine are mostly what we have. I'm told they will work just more pitfalls to work around.