Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: justinater on March 21, 2012, 04:02:28 pm
-
Hi all I'm new to this board and bow making. I ordered the bow makers bible and am hoping that will tell me what I need to know to make a bow.
Anyways I'm really excited to make a bow. but from my understanding it takes a year to dry the wood right? What do you recommend to get started a little faster? I was kind of hoping to not have to make a board bow.
A little bit about me... I'm 27, and I live in Louisiana. I like to say I'm about intermediate in working with wood. I've built two kayaks, one from a kit and one from scratch but pretty much all I know is stuff I've taught myself.
-
Whitewood trees can be cut, peeled, split, roughed out to bow dimensions and left alone for 4-5 weeks somewhere dry. They will be ready by then.
-
awesome, I know we have allot of white oak around here. I could probably even find some that are dead but haven't rotted yet.
-
NO DEAD STUFF. Stay away from oak if you can. Look for any of the elm's, any of the hickories, hackberry.
-
you can buy a stave or trade for one, but dont designate a board bow as a second rate bow, a fine bow can be made with a board, and they give inexpensive tillering lessons for a beginning bowyer, Bub
-
sounds like some good advice. thanks.@ both. practice tillering on a board bow... yeah I guess I wouldn't mind doing that.
-
Check out George Tsoukalas' website(at the top of the "How To" page). George has everything you will need to know to get started. Buying a red oak or hickory board from Home Depot, Lowes or a local lumber company is the quickest way to start. Georges site has info for what to look for when selecting a board to build a bow with.
Also, ask any questions you may have right here on PA. Lots of informed cbowyers here to help you get started.
Oh yeah! Welcome to Primitive Archer website!
Also, please read over the rules to the website.
-
once ya get one under your belt, your hooked man >:Dgood luck and wellcome to the addiction, Bub
-
I think its all good advise youv'e been given. I would you a good hickory board or two as well as begin the harvest whatever bow wood that is in your area and get it processed and begin to cure. That way, when you are ready to work a stave into a bow you have some. Welcome and beware.......this is very addicting. But no worries, you will get plenty of help on here. Danny
-
Welcome to PA, from one newbie to another!! I have been on here for a few months and during that time have made several board bows. So far only red oak and hickory... (the hickory was more forgiving) and I would like to try some hard maple. I ran across some crepe myrtle that I will cut for staves this weekend. The boards have really been helpful to me in my tillering skills and I have a few lighter weight bows that are shootable so far. I also glued up a hickory backed ipe this past weekend. Good luck. It's great fun and verrrryyy addicting.
-
Don't rush for a quick start, take your time. You will never forget your first bow, just try to make I a pleasant memory ;). I am still working on my first too and you want to have. Backup in case #1 fails so you don't have to start from scratch.
-
Welcome ,like others have said don't rush,white wood are quicker to dry but do be sure they are dry or it will only disappoint. You could always trade for some seasoned. Good luck and keep us updated. :)
Pappy
-
Welcome to PA !!
Guy
-
Welcome to Primitive Archer. Making bows is fun but you have to be careful not to become obsessed. ' Frank
-
Welcome to Primitive Archer. Making bows is fun but you have to be careful not to become obsessed. ' Frank
....like everyone else in here!
-
Thanks for the welcome guys :)
-
You can make a hot box to dry the wood faster. It is not very difficult. its just a wooden box with three 40 watt light bulbs to heat it. Just place your bow inside of it for a week or so and it should be dry enough to work with. If you have taken off the bark you will want to seal that back. You can do a google search on making a hot box for drying wood. Make it simple. It doesnt have to be insulated. The inside of the box should be around 85 to 100 degrees. I wouldnt go any hotter than 100. Hope this helps
-
Hey Justinater. I was in the same boat several years ago. I orderd the bible set, started reading, started cutting down hickories and osage, splitting and putting them up! but still needed to build something. So i found a local saw mill and bought some hickory boards and went to work!! It's very exciting building your first bow. A dozen later and after starting to laminate some hickory on hickry to get higher draw weight, I was ready and my staves were dry!! have fun!! Once you start you cant stop ;D