Want to make a Formaster?

[Blackhawk]

In the Masters of the Barebow III, Rod Jenkins introduced a training device that has been used for many years by Olympic archers and others wishing to ensure proper shooting form.  

This device, called the Formaster, is available at various archery outlets for $30-$40, however, many of us trad archers are "cheap" and are always trying to find a way to save money and at the same time achieve a sense of satisfaction in making our own equipment.

After attending a shooting clinic with Rod in Hood River, Oregon, I had the opportunity to use the device and became convinced of its value in attaining the proper back tension during the shot.

See the MBB III DVD for an excellent segment regarding its use as well as the posting on this forum by "onesharpbroadhead".

If you are interested in making your own Formaster, I've prepared a short tutorial for making your own.

[moebow]

UUhhh.... and that tutorial would be ....where?????

[Blackhawk]

The supplies you need are probably in your garage.  Take some 1" nylon webbing and cut it approximately 34" long (when folded it will be about 17").  Find yourself about 30" of parachute cord or similar small non-stretch rope. Your last item is a small brass eyelet with 1/4" hole

 

[Blackhawk]

Be patient here...  :D  I type slow and have to post pics too.  

[Blackhawk]

Fold the web strap in half and stitch the middle together approximately 1.25" from the end.  This makes a small loop for the other end to insert.

 

[snag]

Good man! I see where they say a Large is 11"-12" around the elbow...is that what you are making with the 17" strap?

[Blackhawk]

Place the ends together and secure with the eyelet using your hammer.  (Wal-Mart has eyelet kits for under $3.  

After putting in the eyelet, thread the end through the loop you made by stiching.

 

[Blackhawk]

Snag...good point and thanks for the reminder.
I'm kind of a "husky" old guy and have an elbow circumference of 12.5".

[snag]

You are a brute! haha  This is good.....

[Blackhawk]

Secure your cord to the eyelet after looping the other end on the bowstring BELOW the nocking point.  When properly setup, there should be about an inch of slack in the string with your fingers on the string and the strap on your arm.

(the bow is a Fox Royal Crown crafted by Ron King AND is NOT for sale!)

 

[Blackhawk]

This is the way the Formaster should look when it is in place.  Keep in mind that the nylon strap can feel uncomfortable on the bare arm.  To remedy this, cut the end off an old sock (or new sock    ) and slip it over the arm before putting on the nylon strap.  Make sure the staps are on each side of the elbow and snug.

The pic appears that the cord is secured above the nock, but is actually placed below. (I simply moved my fingers so it would show in the pic.)

   

[snag]

OHHHHHH! There it is! That Royal Crown has been haunting me ever since you let me shoot it!      I'll have to wait until Feb......

That's an inch slack at full draw...? It seems they checked the slack when they had us come to anchor.

Lon, I don't remember, do you nock the arrow with the string on top and below the arrow nock or do you nock the arrow below the string..which is below the nocking point?

[Blackhawk]

The inch slack is NOT at full draw, but at the point you nock your arrow and before the draw begins.

Tie the cord BELOW the nocking point with the arrow ABOVE.  Rod addressed this in MBB III and mentioned doing it this way to avoid one of the limbs doing something weird...but forgot the details.

I believe onesharpbroadhead tied his string on ABOVE the arrow and it seemed to work fine for him.  Look at his youtube video and you will see what "good form" he has.  (He hardly moves after the shot...     )

I'm still learning this stuff and would appreciate any tips or corrections to this post.

After "Snag" asked for photos yesterday, I thought I would just do this tutorial.

Again, any advice or comments are welcome.

This is serious business and we're all in this together, huh?    

[snag]

I wonder if you shoot 3 under, like I do, you are suppose to tie the string on above the nocking pt. or below the arrow nock..??? Because with 3 under the arrow nocks below the string nock.

[Blackhawk]

I think you should try both ways and see which you prefer.  Onesharpbroadhead shoots 3-under and placed his cord above, so that may be the preferred for you 3-under shooters.

[moebow]

Thanks Blackhawk,  I'm a volunteer instructor and can't afford $40 for each student but I sure can afford to make these.  Thanks Again.

[Blackhawk]

For about 15 minutes of your time, it is such a simple and inexpensive device to make.    

How anyone has the nerve to ask $40 for one makes me think the manufacturer thought he had a government contract.  

[runamuk]

Thanks Lon,, got everything i need out in the shop.. Great job on the how to...
I look forward to the next time we meet up,, you were alot of fun to be around

[Dick in Seattle]

Excellent job, Lon!   I came home planning to make a couple but got buried in chores and computer stuff. 4 1/2 hrs. today taking to New Delhi to resolve problems with a new printer... BAH!   There, I feel better....

[mudSwine]

Cool thanks !!!!!!!!!