Self Bow question

stikbowshooter2 · February 09, 2008, 05:32:00 PM

Looking at getting a good self bow and start shooting wood arrows for a bit more of a challenge and nostalgia. Was wondering what I really need to look for to assure that I get a good quality, well made bow and that it shoots well. Any help or tips? Look for bows made by certain people, or is it all kind of a gamble? Have never shot a self bow and not sure what to even look for besides specs. that I am comfortable shooting. All help is appreciated. Thank you.

ChristopherO · February 09, 2008, 06:32:00 PM

SBS2,
I would suggest what ever you get make sure it doesn't dry out too much in your arid climate.
You might want to pick up the Traditional Bower's Bibles 1 & 2, go to a lumber yard with good hardwood boards and make a board bow to get a good idea what an all wood bow is before you invest in an expensive self bow.

kctreeman · February 09, 2008, 07:37:00 PM

i'm with CHRISTOPHER> Bbuy a couple books and some wood and make one yourself. CAREFULL THOUGH IT CAN BE ADDICTING>

Pat B · February 09, 2008, 11:01:00 PM

Hickory would be a good choice for your area. It likes being pretty dry to perform well. About 6% where most other woods should be 9% to 11%. Check out Jawge's or Mickey's sites for all the info you will need to make a good self bow from a stave or a board. Pat

brettlandon · February 09, 2008, 11:14:00 PM

What are you shooting now? If you are already used to shooting a longbow (that is NOT centershot) you will have no trouble transitioning into a selfbow. If, however, you are used to shooting a centershot bow and are using the arrow as a sight (gap shooting or string jumping) you will struggle for some time learning the instinctive style necessary to shoot a selfbow. This is experience talking. I try to make at least one new selfbow a year, and I can't get enough. But learning instinctive shooting was very challenging for me. Good luck, and welcome to the woodbenders.

-Brett

Tree man · February 10, 2008, 12:58:00 AM

Lots of guys make their own...but there is definitely a learning curve and you will likely make and break several duds in your pursuit of a good selfbow. There are several people who make and sell bamboo backed wood bows and a few who sell true selfbows. I am rather partial to Ed Scott's Owl bows-but I'm biased since he is my father.

laddy · February 10, 2008, 01:17:00 AM

Anybody have any experience with red cedar backed with bamboo, for a longbow?

Pat B · February 10, 2008, 10:49:00 AM

Boo backed ERC is possible but I believe hickory or hard maple would be a better choice of backing for ERC. Boo is very strong in tension and can easily overpower the ERC belly. Pat

stikbowshooter2 · February 10, 2008, 04:36:00 PM

I primarily shoot longbows lately. have a couple Widow recurves, but have really been shooting my Thunderhorn longbow more and more. Also have a Tolke and a Chek-Mate longbow. I initially started out shooting virtually all instinctive, but now see my arrow just a bit. More just as a reference but do not use it to aim, more just to make sure it is straight towards the target in a straight line, nor do I gap shoot. I could learn to keep the arrow straight with it being out of center shot and think I'll be ok. I eventually did want to build my own self bow but not very good at shaping and that kind of stuff freehand. I want it to hunt with and not sure if I could tiller and balance it as well as shape the handle properly.