How to taper boo back without power tools

[The Gray Fox]

After a year's hiatus I'm finally cleaning up my shop and will be ready to work on some picture frames and my first attempt at a laminated boo backed longbow.  I have few power tools and really don't care to invest in many.  Is there a simple method to prepare a tapered boo back without power tools?  It may take some time, but I'll keep all my fingers intact, too.  Thanks, JW

[Walt Francis]

I use a jointer and belt sander.  However, you can use a hand plane, spokeshave, or cabinet scraper, and sand paper glued to a flat board to accomplish the preparation, it just takes longer

[wingnut]

I did the first few, years ago with a toothing plane for the thinning and a small block plane for the sides.

Takes awhile but you can get the same taper as with power tools if your careful.

Mike

[Jeremy]

My first couple were done with a No. 4 handplane.  It takes longer than a jointer, but I don't have a jointer and my brother's shop is over an hour away.

[Keith Deters]

If I had to do an entire backing by hand, I'd use a real sharp plane for the most part.  1st I'd shape it to outline, then plane down the thickness.

The way I usually do it is, bandsaw to get the bulk thickness off and cut close to the outline.

Then I use a sharp block plane for the rest of the removal work, edges then thickness.

Once I have it thicknessed and to shape, I use a toothing plane to make sure it's flat and ready for glue.

[The Gray Fox]

Thanks, guys, this is the kind of info I was hoping for.  Since I'm power tools challenged, I'm happy to take my time at this project.  As boy many years ago in WI I recall my friend's father using a piece of plate glass to work down the bows he made.  I wish I had paid more attention to what he showed us.