OK ladies and gentleman. I want to try my hand at building my own longbow. What tools do I need? what book would you consider "the bow building bible"? Can I use any hardwood? etc etc etc I have been non long term dissability for 30 months so money is an object. don't have much!
Selfbow or Laminate bow?
Selfbow Sir. Sorry. I guess that was an integral part of the question that I left out, was it not? Oh dopey me. Not a good start to a new year.
Hand saw, axe, draw knife, rasps, scrapers and a vise.
Any fruit or nut tree will make a bow. Style will effect performance and it will vary with wood types.
It is fun, addicting and will be very satisfying.
Keep us posted on your progress!!!!
The Bent Stick by Paul Comstock is an excellent book on building wooden bows.Wealth of info and and the price is very reasonable. The bowyers bibles are an excellent resourse but might be more than you want to spend at this time.