Not use to this, need some counseling

[FurFlyin]

Hey guys, I've been lurking a while and checking out the great bows you guys build.  I really want to start building bows, BUT I can't get up the nerve to try one.  I have no idea what that's all about.  It's totally against my character to lack confidence tackling anything.  I'm usually over confident.  I've been woodworking for the last 30 of my 39 years.  I've built bird houses, dwelling houses, furniture and most everything in between.  I guess the hesitation comes in from not being able to watch someone build a bow.  Video's don't do it for me, I need to witness one in person.  I like to ask LOTS of questions.  Is there anyone in the North Alabama area on this board that builds bows?  I'd sure like to watch you build one, and help if I can.  

I have most of the tools needed to start building.  Standard Router with table, plunge router, planer, jointer, 3 table saws (if you need one of those to build a bow), random orbit sander, table top belt sander, vibrating sander, clamps, clamps, clamps and more clamps.  I know I will need a bandsaw, and some rasps, specialty files etc....  

What else would I need?  Anyone out there in my area need an apprentice for a while????

[walkabout]

in my opinion, starting out with hand tools leaves more room for error than power tools. power tools can ruin a stave in a matter of seconds, whereas hand tools you really have to be not paying attention and going pretty overboard to mess it up. what kind of bows are you interested in making? i suggest trying a board bow first because materials are relativly cheap and easy to come by. they also help you learn the fundamentals without having to start with a whole stave and chasing rings, etc, or even having to mess around with forms and epoxies in the case of laminates. after you learn the basics and are comfortable then go ahead and build what you really want to, ideally i think that one cant go wrong building whatever style sparks their interest and keeps them progressing in the trade. sam harpers site is very straight forward with diagrams and such for building bows, im as dense as they come sometimes but i built my first bow without a hitch following it.    http://poorfolkbows.com/oak4.htm

[Pat B]

Do you want to build selfbows, wood lam bows or glass lam bows?
Seems like you have a fear of using hand tool because of your success with power tools. You don't need power tools to build wood bows. Yes they make some of the work easier but IMO that should come later. Start out simple and go from there...and don't be afraid of failure. After all it is only a piece of wood and a bit of ego you might loose. Both are replaceable with little cost to you monetarily or otherwise.

[Roy from Pa]

Just jump into a board bow and get your feet wet. We all made our first bow at one time or another. We all cut a few up for firewood too:) It's fun and addicting as heck:) There is a ton of help and pictures on here.  

Click on this thread url below, it will walk you right through it.

  http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=002064

[Dick in Seattle]

I hope you find someone local to help.  That's how I got started;  a bowyer a couple of hundred miles away invited me to spend a few days with him and build a bow.   I don't think there is any substitute for it as a confidence builder.  (Not that my first one alone when I got home wasn't traumatic!  8^)

If selfbows is what you're after, I think it's generally easier to find local guys who build them.  Go to a shoot and look for the guys who are shooting them.

I do glass lam trad longbows.  (Real trad... straight riser/straight limbs.. not wiggly limbed recurves in drag).  Unfortunately, I'm a long ways away from you, but if that's what interests you and you can ever get out here, I'd be pleased to put you up for a few days and build a bow with you.  

Good luck, whichever way you go.  It's a wonderful, satisfying way to spend your time.

[Dublin Joe]

I say count on making half a dozen board bows.  Then get started without too much worry over having the first couple be any good.

[FurFlyin]

Alright guys, I'll try some board bows.  I'm not sure where I can get hickory boards local.  What other native to the SE woods work good?  What specific hand tools will I need to start with?  

Once I progress from there, do you guys cut your own staves?  I live on a farm and have access to quite a bit of hickory.

I'll check out all the links provided, but I will probably be asking some questions too if that's okay.

[Roy from Pa]

You can't go wrong with hickory. Cut it now and the bark will peel off like butter, then that will be the back of your bow. Ask all the questions you want, we all have been there done that.

[red hill]

Start with a board bow.  I first tried to make a bow about 12 years ago without any help or guidance.  I was told about Sam Harper's build-a-long on poorfolkbows.com.

[red hill]

Sorry, hit the wrong key.
Anyway, Sam used a red oak board and shows how to select a good one. Try this site. Simple hand tools, cheap materials to begin with, and lots of fun.  
Stan

[Bill Skinner]

Come to Briarfield State Park on the 11th or 12th of Sept.  Get up with Eric Krewson, Steve Skinner, Scott Grey or any one of at least a dozen people.  I don't know if Kenny will show up with some staves, if he does, he can walk you through building a bow in one weekend.  Bill

[FurFlyin]

Bill, I'll be at a Cub Scout leader training event that Saturday or I sure would.  Where is Briarfield State Park?

[Eric Krewson]

Near Montevallo college about 30 miles south of Birmingham on 65 and about 15 miles off the interstate off the Calera exit.

If you are going to make a wood bow make yourself one of these to tell you were to remove wood during the tillering process.

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=001047#000000

[George Tsoukalas]

Straight grained pieces will give you a better chance for success. Let it bend in the handle. No glued on pieces. They  are easier to tiller. Later you can tackle more. 1 3/8 will get you 45-50# while 1.5 in will get 50-55# if you do your job well. More on my site. Jawge
 http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/