Becoming Bowyer
#3
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 107
I'm new to this endeavor myself. I started a couple of years ago - broke a lot of sticks and then laid off until recently when time opened up for me. I still broke a bunch more bows - learning all the time and reading as much as I could (recommend "The Bowyer's Bible, 3 volumes in paperback. Get volume one at least.)
Within the last month I have completed my first two bows that have held together. One is from Black Locust - 64" and 50lbs at 28". The second was finished two days ago - Osage Orange, 62" and about 45lbs at 26".
I had a cherry wood bow virtually done, 66" rawhide backed, tillered well (or so I thought), nice looking bow. Broke on the fourth shot - one limb just cracked in half.
Made a mistake somewhere.
Get yourself some wood and some hand tools. Make the thing from scratch. You'll learn more.
Pete
Within the last month I have completed my first two bows that have held together. One is from Black Locust - 64" and 50lbs at 28". The second was finished two days ago - Osage Orange, 62" and about 45lbs at 26".
I had a cherry wood bow virtually done, 66" rawhide backed, tillered well (or so I thought), nice looking bow. Broke on the fourth shot - one limb just cracked in half.
Made a mistake somewhere.
Get yourself some wood and some hand tools. Make the thing from scratch. You'll learn more.
Pete
Last edited by Pete D.; 11-17-2009 at 03:52 AM.
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
If building selfbows, read Dean Torges book first. Then read traditional bowyers bible vol1. All 4 volumns are helpful but vol 1 is best for starters.
You can order blanks from several sources that just need tillered and finished. If still interested I can point you to a few bowyers who sells them.
If you are interested fiberglass bows, then I would go with the bingham videos. Trad bowyers bibles help a little but are more geared to all wood bows.
You can order blanks from several sources that just need tillered and finished. If still interested I can point you to a few bowyers who sells them.
If you are interested fiberglass bows, then I would go with the bingham videos. Trad bowyers bibles help a little but are more geared to all wood bows.
Last edited by bigcountry; 11-04-2009 at 06:50 AM.
#5
Dominant Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: land of the Lilliputians, In the state of insanity
Posts: 26,274
Just jump in. You can start with a kit, or you can go with a simple oak board bow that is easy, quick, and requires almost no tools. It will help you understand the tillering process. If you want to avoid the headache of tillering, you can always jump into the glass lam bows. Much easier to finish. The issue is in the glue up. But that issue is with any bow period. All depends on how froggy you want to get.
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
#9
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Shepherd, TX
Posts: 247
Well the Bow is roughed in and have the riser glued on. I will get a tiller tree built tom. LOL Here is a pic of bow as is.
68" tip to tip Red Oak
10" 3/4" Red Cedar riser
1/2" at tips tapered back 14.5"
Belly Faded from riser at 3/4" to 3/8" on tips
Rounded edges on Belly to 1/4" from back
How much would the material and electricity be Kanga. I am working in Glen Rose during the week
68" tip to tip Red Oak
10" 3/4" Red Cedar riser
1/2" at tips tapered back 14.5"
Belly Faded from riser at 3/4" to 3/8" on tips
Rounded edges on Belly to 1/4" from back
How much would the material and electricity be Kanga. I am working in Glen Rose during the week