Have couple questions, 1 what all is entailed on how to care for the bow? I mean what do you need to do on regular basis? 2 how do you determine the draw weight or should I say how do make the bow 45lb? Any help on these questions appreciated. Thinking a lot about trying to make one.

I will be watching this one. >>>----> Ken

Buy The Traditional Bowyer's Bible Vol. I and read it. It's noot the Bible, but it's mostly true and very useful.

Jim is right, vol #1 is pretty good, the rest, just fluff to fill pages.

People will recommend different videos but I have never seen one that would tell you how to make a bow start to finish, they leave a lot out, especially problem solving and fine tuning the tillering.

Lots of bow making videos on you-tube, most are pretty tedious and vague but you can get the basic idea from them.

I agree with Jim, that never happens. Also, Gary Davis' video is the best I've seen. For the few bucks it costs, it would launch you forward and be well worth it.

Try to attend the Tenn. Classic early and get into the self bow class, or watch and ask questions.

For #1 check my site.

http://traditionalarchery101.com/selfbowcare.html

For #2, you need to draw the arrow and measure draw length to the back of the handle. Places, like 3Rivers, sell hand held bow scales.

Jawge

If you can find a copy of Dean Torges' Hunting the Osage Bow, it will take you from beginning to en of the build process, with some very good philosophy thrown in.

Regardless, don't try making a bow until you've done some reading about how to make one. Will save you a lot of time, effort and broken staves.

I agree with the suggestion for the Gary Davis video "Rattlestick". I wish it was around when I first started out. Gary is a great teacher. He explains things in a way that is easy for a beginner to understand.

To reach your draw weight you measure the weight as you are thinning the limbs and getting them to bend. Once you get them bending enough to brace the bow measure the weight. If your desired weight is 45 lbs, you pull the string back until you hit 45 lbs. It might only be a few inches of draw. Check the limbs and address any stiff or weak areas until they are evened up. Check your draw weight again stopping at 45 lbs. It might be a few more inches of draw. Once you get the limbs bending nicely just keep scraping the belly and checking the weight as you go. Eventually you will get to 45 lbs at your draw length. Beginners usually end up with a bow that is under weight. My first one was 15 lbs lighter than I wanted.

I got started last year too. I studied the Bowyers Bible alot before i started. I could not have done it without the help of that book. Also, i watched Gary Davis' video. Big help!! Last i love Clay Hays clips on utube. He has a whole series from start to finish. Clay is clear and descriptive. Only problem i have now is that i'm addicted but i can't find the time

I'll be watching Gary's video soon. Hoping to see some of Osage Outlaws staves soon

I'll be watching Gary's video soon. Hoping to see some of Osage Outlaws staves soon, snakey ones

Yup, posted twice. Oops

Sorry, not trying to high jack a thread. But I picked up this black locust self bow from a fellow LW'er. I'd like to either shave down the grip, or build it up with cork and wrap the grip w braided line to fit me. Suggestions?

You will get many good tips here. I have noticed that the TBB series is in many public libraries now. YouTube would be my next choice for instruction. Steve Gardner (Badger) has helped me many many times.

Chad, start a new thread and I will walk you through building up your grip to almost any shape you want.

Another thing; Look for an experienced bowyer in your area, ask here if nothing else. I have had more than a dozen folk in my shop over the years trying to learn the basics.

Jawge, Jeff and Pearl Drums were a tremendous help for me. Very informative, patient and instructive about the selfbow craft. Couldn't have done it w/out them! Wyatt Semi-snakey Osage, 61#@27", 63"amo. My huntin' bow for this year!

Kwikdraw that is an awesome looking bow I hope my try at this turns out half that nice. I was watching some videos by Clay Hayes on board bow. Do you guys think this woiuld be a better place to start as far a learning spot.

Or... If you are ANYWHERE near Missouri, come to MoJam in July. You can rough out a selfbow in a weekend, going from a stave to a shootable bow in two days. There will be plenty of staves, tools, equipment & materials, as well as LOTS of very experienced bow makers.

Ditto on Kwikdraw's post, Wyatt, you need to get rid of those ugly bows you have hanging on the wall and make some more pretty ones to take their place.......Ha!Ha!

Again beautiful job on your Osage.

Mark, This is where I learned, from these remarkable folks. I only have built one, but it came out a good usable bow. Working on another.....you know ......self-bow fever.....

Sorry, Papa. I misunderstood. There are buildalongs on my site to help you get started. http://traditionalarchery101.com Jawge

There's a los a buildalongs for doing a handle covering. Jawge

Just my own opinion here based on my experience but stick with osage for at least your first bow,, take your time finding the perfect flying arrow from it once you do it becomes magic, shoot it as much as possible..

as for osage I can say that every other selfbow I ever had in woods other than osage have all broke on me at some point or another,, every osage bow I ever owned going back 30yrs is still shooting fine and I don't do anything to them I just unstring them and put them away.

Thanks fellows for all the input. Looking forward to this project but I do have to buy all the tools. Is the start kit in 3 rivers catalog a decent set? Going to have to go with board first have no access to stave at this time. Be great if you could buy osage boards but know of no place to get one. going to try maple first.

You can get a good ferries rasp at any local farm/home store for $20. I would look on Amazon for your rasps. Shinto's are usually in the $25 range and Nicholson's are in the $50 range. As far as round files to cut string grooves in, they are just chainsaw chain files that can also be found at any farm/home store. In the end a $100 bill will get all you need with some money left for sandpaper and poly.

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