How to Make a Self Bow Part 1

This video was put together in order to show the usual process I use in order to make my self bows. I am no expert, but I enjoy the finished product that results when I follow this method. There are many ways to make a bow and many variations in bow style, but this is my standard style. I hope you learn something and have fun.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• How to Make a Self Bow Part 1
• self bow
• primitive archery
• how to make a bow
• bowyer
• archery
• traditional archery
• hickory bow
• hickory flatbow
• josef2424

[BlackPanem]

how would a piece of pennsylvania hawthorne work? im not too familiar with wood and its differences and qualities

[josef2424]

@BlackPanem Yes ive seen bows been made out of hawthorne from different regions. It has been done many times before. I have never attempted it though. It is always safer to make a wide limbed bow if you're unsure about a white wood's particular qualities.

[erikgeorgebaker]

i think it will make a good bow but when u are making it the back always has to be at the cambium layer or where u just take the bark off because it wakens the bow if you dont like when u were going with the grain when u were drawing it out u just leave the back at the cambium layer and u have to let the wood dry for 1 year if u want a good bow but aside from those little glitches you wil have a hopefully dependable bow :)

[josef2424]

@erikgeorgebaker Different bow woods call for the back of the bow being at different levels under the bark due to different heartwood, sapwood, spring wood, and summer wood ratios. Osage is an example of this. I made note in the video that you can just leave the back as it was. But people have also made bows completely reversed where the belly of the bow is facing the outside of the tree..There are many ways to skin a catfish ;)

[TheMo365]

@erikgeorgebaker you don't have to let it cure for a year to make a good bow. 

[AUGSOM3]

god i hope i dont split my LOG if u know what i mean XD

[tefras14]

Would olive tree wood work?

[flamefinger1989]

@BlackPanem hawthorn is amazing

[ningabushman]

This is only your second bow? You could be a bowyer when you grow up. I like how humble you are in the beginning, ha.

[Skillet5123]

Dude me and my friend r soooooooo gonna make one of those and then we will do a review of it and a link to this vid. Thanks!!!! Ur like the only person that has a proper tutorial of how to make a self bow and I think u r a very skilled person!!!!!