Traditional bow

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Wildone39

Joined
Dec 17, 2007
Messages
815
Hey guys and gals, I want a traditional long bow to go with my woods kit. I cant afford one now so I thought about making my own. I live in MS. Does anyone know what kind of wood would be best to make my bow out of? That is growing in Mississippi. Thanks
 
Best of luck! I'm working one right now - Bamboo backed Ipe. Paleoplanet is an excellent resource.
 
Wildone39 said:
Hey guys and gals, I want a traditional long bow to go with my woods kit. I cant afford one now so I thought about making my own. I live in MS. Does anyone know what kind of wood would be best to make my bow out of? That is growing in Mississippi. Thanks
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I have been busy with the bowyer's craft for many, many years (30 years or so). I also teach bow making (and other primitive skills) when I have the time.

I start all of my students constructing bows out of white wood staves (maple, hickory, ash, etc.). I would avoid making your first few bows out of woods such as the knotty osage which can be full of character and personality that only an experienced bowyer can work with successfully. Too, sacrificing an expensive and hard to find flawless yew wood stave to inexperience would not be ones first choice.

Find a straight piece of seasoned white wood in your area (about 6ft. long), do some reading and study (The Traditional Bowyer's Bible's are a good place to start), and if possible, find someone who has some bowmaking experience to assist. Make your first few bows *long*. The longer bows in the white woods are more forgiving of makers mistakes (poor tiller, etc.). Shorter bows require more experience to build properly since the limbs are under more stress.

Have fun and good luck! :)

-Danny
 
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