Any tips for a beginner bowyer?

[ccase39]

Thanks for posting this thread. Lots of good replies here that are helping me as well.

[GlisGlis]

And is it better to buy a stave or make one?

you can start collecting wood for future use but it will take time to dry well. You also need to know how to do it in a proper way (debarking, sealing, storing..)
If you want to start making bow start with a board bow or buy an already seasoned stave

[Pat B]

You also have to know how to choose a tree to cut for staves to be sure there are few if any knots, does the tree grow in a spiral causing twisted staves and the type of wood best for bows. If you want to start learning to build wood bows now buy a good board stave or tree stave or trade for one on our Trading Post.