New to this forum

[roadglider]

Thanks for having this great forum for discussing primitive archery. One question I've been wanting to ask is: is it possible to make an ambidexterous bow that can shoot both left and right handed? I live in Western PA and was hoping there may be some bowyers in the area?

[Ifrit617]

This is very possible. Many primitive bows can be shot off either side.

[cracker]

I always shoot off the knuckle no arrow rest as far as I know that is all that would make it right or left handed.Ron

[kerryb]

Very possible, If i remember correctly PatB made a bow called Flip that could be shot right or left handed.

[Pat B]

I've made many ambidexterous bows. If the string lines up down the center of the bow you can shoot it off of either side. I DO NOT add a shelf though. I use a bulbous type handle with a floppy rest.
  Kerry, Flip(actually "Flip Flop") wasn't necessarily ambidexterous but I set it up so either limb could be the top limb. It was actually made for a lefty and I can only shoot right handed so it was ambidexterous anyway. 

[roadglider]

Thanks for all your responses. So where to start? Mainly I just want to shoot as a hobby, not hunting anymore. Would love to get involved and take bow making classes. I see there are many DVD's available and will start there but realistically how long will it take me to be proficient enough to make a good enough bow? Wouldn't mind having one made for me. Right now I have a Blackhawk "Short Hornet" 55lb. recurve, no arrows, and the string needs replaced. The Bow & string is probably 40 yrs. old. It appears to be in good shape but I don't have a trained eye for that. Hoping to find someone in my vicinity to help.

[Stingray45]

Hey Roadglider, what part of Western PA? I'm originally from Greensburg, PA.

[roadglider]

Stingray - Irwin

[Pat B]

Ryano lives in western or north western PA I think and I believe he does bow building classes.

[roadglider]

Thanks Pat, can I PM Rynao?

[Pat B]

Yes you can!

[roadglider]

thanks again Pat, but can't seem to find his profile, still learning the site.....

[Pat B]

At the bottom of the home page there is a "members" section. Click on that and look up "Ryano". If is in alphabetical order or you can do a search in the same place.

[JW_Halverson]

At the risk of sounding like a carnival barker for Primitive Archer, you can click on the above header where it discusses The Traditional Bowyers Bible, and order a copy of the first volume and then add volumes as you progress.  TBB vol. 1 is still my go-to for the basics.  The chapter on bow design is still over my head, but I'm able to understand more of it with every bow I make. 

[elkcalln8]

I am also new here. I love the old ways and always wanted to get into it. I have shoot for over 12 years now. But just got bit by the longbow bug a few months ago. I want to build my own to start with. Im new to that. so i am thinking of starting with a longbow blank. I wana do some silver inlays and try to get some copperhead on it to. I wana thank all of you for the great input and great site. What is one of the best books on building a long bow?