How to Make a Traditional Bow – Final Parts 7 to 9

Archer Here

Archer Here

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Nov 2, 2008
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Here are the final set of videos covering how to make a traditional bow, parts 7 to 9. Since this is the final set of videos on this topic, I went ahead and included all parts (1 through 9), in case you want to save the thread. Hope you liked them.

Chris

Part 1 – Stave Selection & Bow Layout
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHhGjRdE9Zc

Part 2 - Sanding, Shaping, Nocks, Gluing Handle.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GbMBi4o_AI

Part 3 - Tillering
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjah_yfIhFI

Part 4 – Nocks & Final Tillering
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT70v5yJlxQ

Part 5 – Applying Backing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgHfLwAlxUw

Part 6 – Test Shooting after Tillering
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_YJ5dnetLM

Part 7 – Staining, Etching, & More on Bow Grains
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgenKkwUl3w

Part 8 – Recurve Sanding and Finishing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiGE5zYkF34

Part 9 – View Finished Bows
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwm8V_814go
 
Fiddleback was requesting I send a drawing of the handle layout in my other thread. Since this is the final thread on the topic, I thought I would carry it over to this one.

RecurveLongbowLayout.jpg
 
Thanks again for posting these, I think I am going to attempt one in the not too distant future. I do have a question for you... I don't remember seeing how you shape your recurve in the videos (and by shape I mean put the recurve in it, so maybe 'form' is the correct terminology?). I've seen where others use a form, but I just can't recall seeing you do it. Do you mind telling me which vid it is in? Thanks a ton!
 
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Good step by step how to DIY Bow-making project. :thumbup:

Much obliged,

Anthony
 
Shore08 said:
Thanks again for posting these, I think I am going to attempt one in the not too distant future. I do have a question for you... I don't remember seeing how you shape your recurve in the videos (and by shape I mean put the recurve in it, so maybe 'form' is the correct terminology?). I've seen where others use a form, but I just can't recall seeing you do it. Do you mind telling me which vid it is in? Thanks a ton!
Click to expand...

Here’s your video on how I curve my bows. I didn’t really like the video, so I didn’t include it on the series. Take it slow and watch your time steaming. Don’t force it. If you need to steam it again. Good luck.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCUHssKmFxA
 
Wow, you do have a different method from the others I've seen, and I like it. To me that seems much easier than building a hot box (plus I don't have to find somewhere to keep the box). So basically, you steam it, and then try to hold the shape until it cools? If it isn't bent enough, repeat the process?

Just to play devil's advocate, could you steam it for the 30 minutes and then place it in a form?

Once again, thanks for all the help!
 
Yes, I find this much easier than a heat box. They didn't have heat boxes back in ancient times outside the Tee Pee. You got to do it by feel, to make sure both sides bend the same. A jig would probably be good for that until you get the hang of it. Practice first on something you don't care to ruin. Also, if you do make a mistake, you can always steam it and bend it back. One other tip, if you have a great piece of wood for a stave, and it's slightly croaked, you can make it straight by doing that same process.
 
Thanks a bunch for the tips. My local Lowes has red oak staves for about 5 bucks each (1X2X6) and several seemed to have good grain patterns. I am planning to pick up a few of them soon and get started. I figure I'll wind up breaking several before I get it right, but that is a price point that I can afford to make mistakes at!

For the time being, I grabbed one that is 1X2X24(inches) and I am thinking about practicing a bit on that to work on patterns and such. I am a bit space limited at my house, so I don't have room for a band saw or belt sander. I'm probably going to be doing mine with a jig saw and a planer, then hand sanding. I have a ton of hand tools and smaller power tools, so I'm sure I can figure something out. I've also got some 2X4's laying around to make a jig with, and to make my tiller.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond to my questions. I hope you don't mind, but I'll probably have some more for you in the future! Keep up the good work.
 
Nice job on the last videos as well. You have a nice presence on the video. Good work, and the same to your better half, ahem,... I mean, producer.:)
 
Shore08 said:
Thanks a bunch for the tips. My local Lowes has red oak staves for about 5 bucks each (1X2X6) and several seemed to have good grain patterns. I am planning to pick up a few of them soon and get started. I figure I'll wind up breaking several before I get it right, but that is a price point that I can afford to make mistakes at!

For the time being, I grabbed one that is 1X2X24(inches) and I am thinking about practicing a bit on that to work on patterns and such. I am a bit space limited at my house, so I don't have room for a band saw or belt sander. I'm probably going to be doing mine with a jig saw and a planer, then hand sanding. I have a ton of hand tools and smaller power tools, so I'm sure I can figure something out. I've also got some 2X4's laying around to make a jig with, and to make my tiller.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond to my questions. I hope you don't mind, but I'll probably have some more for you in the future! Keep up the good work.
Click to expand...

No problem. Let me know if you have any other questions.

If any of you fine folks do make a bow, send me a picture.
Chris
 
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