Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: snag on June 30, 2010, 04:40:44 pm
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Hi, I was given a well seasoned hazelnut stave from a generous man in the Portland, Or. area. I now have a few staves, the shop space and time to devote to trying to attempt making my first selfbow. I only have a draw knife and a couple of hand scrapers at this point. I am looking for a good used band saw. Where is a good source for buying tools and what else should I pick up? Thanks, David
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You will need a good, well mounted shop vice.
A good overhead, incandescent light. Floresent lights just don't work as well.
A draw knife and scrapers are plenty of tools to make a bow.
However, If I had a shop to put a band saw in... I would most likely have one. ::)
Post photos and ask questions. These guys will answere all of your questions.
David
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The only other tool you might need is a good wood rasp. A Nicholson #49 or #50 are very good but a bit pricey; about $50. Also a farriers rasp works great for hogging off wood but it also has a smoother side the works well too. If you know a farrier or folks that own horses their farrier will probably give you a used rasp the will work fine.
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if your a newbie i would avoid using power tools, yes even a band saw
it only takes one second to ruin a sweet piece of wood
one wrong twist or turn on the table of a band saw and next thing ya know your making tomato stakes instead
a good rasp or sure form,draw knife,scrapers,sand paper
thats all i used on my first several bows,and still what i use most
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as pat and salor dad say all u relley need is a good rasp and a vice ur set good luck ask ? and ull be hooked brock
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Have you checked out 3 Rivers Archery? They have a wide selection of bow building supplies. I have traded with them, and have never had a bad experience.
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Thanks for the input. I've been thinking about a vice. But I also remember seeing a "horse" that holds a stave. Anyone know of any plans for building one of these?
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Look here ad " Schnitzbock" , there are two plans .
http://www.fletchers-corner.de/index.php?topic=11859.msg194739#msg194739 (http://www.fletchers-corner.de/index.php?topic=11859.msg194739#msg194739)
acker
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That's it Acker...thanks!
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snag, you don't need a bandsaw. I don't have one. There are buildalongs on my site. You are better off not using power tools at least until you get some experience. Jawge
http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/
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Thanks George, I'll check it out. Here is a plan for shaving horse I found online if anyone is interested.
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A little different one as well.
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If and when you are ready for power tools like a belt sander or a band saw, check out your local Craigslist.com site. You can get great deals on used tools.
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three rivers has a hardware kit to build your own horse out of wood you probably have laying around.
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Thanks Seabass, I'll take a look.
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snag, before you spring for a shavehorse, think about whether or not you want to sit as you work or whether you want to lean in and use your whole body. :) Jawge
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hmmmm, good point George. I was going to build one....now I think I'll just try working off a vice on the workbench and see how that goes.
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build three bows each way , than you definitely know .....that you have got the virus >:D
acker ;)
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Like others have said you don't really need a bandsaw for making selfbows. A good sharp hatchet works about as well for roughing out bows and is far more forgiving than a power saw if you make a mistake.
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I have a bandsaw, and rarely use it. I made a portable bow/knapping bench to take to events, and found that I love it when chasing a ring, but still prefer to work standing up when shaping the bow. In bow building it is literally different strokes for different folks. ;)