Need advice!!! Want to make a bow

[Hawkdancer]

When all else fails, read directions:).  When it comes to shooting, Put my first arrow down range in 1947, did not know there was anything except wood bows until 1957, when I got a fiberglass Actionbow(?)45# longbow(still have it) and a set of matched arrows for about $15.  Currently, have a 50# bear Kodiak, and a compound at about 45#.  I also cast darts with an atlatl, so so.
 Any way, I want to make a self bow - approx 45#, 26" or so draw length, and single stave and whatever bow length will put me there - 55-65"?.  Wood working tools, I got - stave, I don' t got . 
What would be the better wood to start with?  Shaping, tillering and all that good stuff depend on what sort of stave I am able to get.  Would a pyramid flat back be the better starting point?   As soon as I figure out how to st post pics (and get a stave to start with), I will post  "Dummies building a bow"?   So I would like some advice and guidance.
Hawkdancer
Life is far too serious to be taken that way!

[willie]

hand tools like green wood, but if you got power tools, flat back pyramid is ok
they need a dart throwers forum here 

[GlisGlis]

you probably may find many answers to your questions here
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,57358.0.html

[bushboy]

Where abouts do you live?it will give insight on what bow woods you have growing iin you area's.

[Parnell]

So many (including myself) start out building a board bow.  It's fine and all, but you are going to be putting time into the project so start with something you'll enjoy.  Order yourself a few staves and get going.  You'll have a better product using better ingredients.
I think a lot of people say to their self "I don't want to start on a nice piece of Osage and ruin it."  After experience, I say the opposite.  Start with the Osage and take your time through the process communicating with the forum.  You'll be much better off.

I see you live in Colorado.  Low humidity will love a Hickory stave.  Hickory is real forgiving, too.  That's my advice.
Hope to see you posting!

[Jim Davis]

By far the easiest bow to build and one of the most efficient designs is what is called the pyramid design. (Whoever started calling it that had never seen a pyramid, I guess--much closer to an obelisk.

Limb is same thickness end to end and only tapers on the sides.

That's more than $.02. worth.

Jim Davis

[Hawkdancer]

I am in Northern Colorado, Loveland,  I know we have chokecherry growing wild, and maybe some "hickory escapees", and juniper and fir higher up in the mountains.  Anyone selling or trading staves?   I do have most of the hand tools available, not necessarily as sharp as they should be at the moment, though.

[Stick Bender]

Its hard to go wrong with hickory for a first bow ,board or stave its very forgiving I made my first bow out of it , absolutly horible tiller & its still shooting if I wanted to visit the dentist after wards , & made several more with better tiller its a great shooting wood if sealed proper , even if you mess it up you probably end up with some thing that shoots. Jusy my 2 cents !

[Dictionary]

Get the traditional bowyer's Bible vol 1

[Marc St Louis]

If you have trade materials you can post in the Trading post for a stave

[CrazyHorse1969]

I am in Northern Colorado, Loveland,  I know we have chokecherry growing wild, and maybe some "hickory escapees", and juniper and fir higher up in the mountains.  Anyone selling or trading staves?   I do have most of the hand tools available, not necessarily as sharp as they should be at the moment, though.

I am south of you in Longmont, CO. Let me know if you cannot find a stave. I may or may not have something lying around.

[George Tsoukalas]

My site may help you. Jawge
http://traditionalarchery101.com

[Hawkdancer]

Crazy Horse,
I will take you up on that.  Perhaps we can get together and brainstorm bow making.  Btw,  do you know if the Red Oiser Dogwood is also called "river birch" around here?  The pics of the bark and the riparian habitat look very similar.  If it is, I have walked past a lot of good arrow shafts since 1970!! .  Looked like A thicket to me.
Hawkdancer

[CrazyHorse1969]

Crazy Horse,
I will take you up on that.  Perhaps we can get together and brainstorm bow making.  Btw,  do you know if the Red Oiser Dogwood is also called "river birch" around here?  The pics of the bark and the riparian habitat look very similar.  If it is, I have walked past a lot of good arrow shafts since 1970!! .  Looked like A thicket to me.
Hawkdancer

Sounds like a good idea.

Funny you should ask about Redosier Dogwood. Check this out: http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,58000.0.html

[Hawkdancer]

Checked the thread and pics, it looks like a willow of some sort   If I remember correctly, "river birch" has a more rounded leak, but grows in and near water.  Guess we wait until spring and check the leaves and flowers or take a shoot to the Extension Service.   I know willow can be pretty strong, a lot of uses such as back rests, sweat lodge frames, and baskets. 
Hawkdancer