The DIY traditional bow thread.

[Holg3107]

 

Hope you're alright!

[lucky33]

Hope you're alright!

Cant see out of my left eye, and headache galore....but mostly heartbroken.  I am more determined than ever to get it right this time around.  Ive read there are many trials and tribulations on the road to building functional bows. I guess its all part of the learning curve.  60 lbs of long bow breaking is alot like a rifle shot in the face. Not something Ill forget anytime soon 

[quadrafire]

It is amazing that on HuntWa you can be crying while reading one thread and laughing your arse off on another.
would love to have that encounter on video. 
Hope the injury to your eye and your pride are not to great 
Thanks for sharing the ups and downs to bowmaking.

Note to self....... do not build a self bow, it is time consuming and too dangerous.

[lucky33]

It is amazing that on HuntWa you can be crying while reading one thread and laughing your arse off on another.
would love to have that encounter on video. 
Hope the injury to your eye and your pride are not to great 
Thanks for sharing the ups and downs to bowmaking.

Note to self....... do not build a self bow, it is time consuming and too dangerous.

I look like I got beat with a stick....

[quadrafire]

Don't know if you have ever seen these books, but they are great. I think there is a series of 4
The 1st is great for self bows.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CFcQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FTraditional-Bowyers-Bible-1%2Fdp%2F1585740853&ei=51mSUbrFG-PRyAG0o4DoBA&usg=AFQjCNHuAxN-eIqkkAry1pDeswdxE-Ei6g&sig2=mqTZTSK_fyCPcV7e6MaCcA&bvm=bv.46471029,d.aWc

[lucky33]

Don't know if you have ever seen these books, but they are great. I think there is a series of 4
The 1st is great for self bows.

Ill have to check that out. Im going to start the next one soon. I wonder if pre humans had the same issues in building bows. There is sure to be issues when building them. Bow building is really the only aspect of woodworking where you make some thing that doesnt just look good, but functions as a moving part. Trying to bend hardwoods is sure bound to be tricky and also a bit dangerous too. Ive learned alot through this whole thing. Next one will be better. 

[quadrafire]

Don't know if you have ever seen these books, but they are great. I think there is a series of 4
The 1st is great for self bows.

Ill have to check that out. Im going to start the next one soon. I wonder if pre humans had the same issues in building bows. There is sure to be issues when building them. Bow building is really the only aspect of woodworking where you make some thing that doesnt just look good, but functions as a moving part. Trying to bend hardwoods is sure bound to be tricky and also a bit dangerous too. Ive learned alot through this whole thing. Next one will be better. 

Why do you think the ancient Mayans became extinct?  They all got knocked in the head by exploding limbs. 

[lucky33]

Don't know if you have ever seen these books, but they are great. I think there is a series of 4
The 1st is great for self bows.

Ill have to check that out. Im going to start the next one soon. I wonder if pre humans had the same issues in building bows. There is sure to be issues when building them. Bow building is really the only aspect of woodworking where you make some thing that doesnt just look good, but functions as a moving part. Trying to bend hardwoods is sure bound to be tricky and also a bit dangerous too. Ive learned alot through this whole thing. Next one will be better. 

Why do you think the ancient Mayans became extinct?  They all got knocked in the head by exploding limbs. 

Forget fiberglass. The next one will get backed with 3/16'' spring steel.  I saved the massive pile of shavings, Im good to go on chips for my smoker. Its not all bad 

[lucky33]

Well now I am armed with all four copies of the Traditonal Bowyer's Bible thanks to Quadrafire, and the will be no failing. I will be digging out a stave today and starting #2.  There is a wealth of information in these books, Im not really sure what direction to take yet. I am quite fond of the longbow, so Im thinking thats what she will be. The DIY traditional bow thread part deux starts today! 

[clindsayrun]

Honestly one of the most intriguing threads I've followed in some time. Thanks!

[lucky33]

Honestly one of the most intriguing threads I've followed in some time. Thanks!

I find myself intrigued at times as well...this is quite the learning experience. I plan on taking down Big Louie with this next bow. 

[quadrafire]

Well.......Lets see the stave before you start carving it up. 

[Fl0und3rz]

It is amazing that on HuntWa you can be crying while reading one thread and laughing your arse off on another.
would love to have that encounter on video. 
Hope the injury to your eye and your pride are not to great 
Thanks for sharing the ups and downs to bowmaking.

Note to self....... do not build a self bow, it is time consuming and too dangerous.

I look like I got beat with a stick....

You might want to change your nick.  Sorry about the loss.  Hope you get better soon.

ETA: Also, in this month's issue of Traditional Bowhunter (June/July 2013 on newsstands now) there is a decent article on a laminated Hill-style self-bow, in that interests you.

[lucky33]

Ill check that out. Im not too worried about the other bow, I figured there might be a few bumps in the road. Just got to keep on building. Ive been stuck at the office, but with any luck today I can get out and pick out a stave. There is a few chunks of Black Locust that might be worth trying, or Ill have another crack at the maple. I will post pics soon. 

[lucky33]

Well.......Lets see the stave before you start carving it up. 

I will for sure be more diligent about pics in the beginning.