I am wanting to build a bow. I have no idea where to start, as this will be my first build. I know I would like to build a longbow/self bow. I would like to use osage.
Length I don't know..but would like to be 60# @ 27" pull
Where do I get wood?
What types of glues do I need
What types of tools
Also as a side note, I have a reflex/deflex longbow I started with as a kid, and I was a nail driver with that bow, but went to a recurve, and have never been as happy with it..so should I shoot for a straight longbow, or try and go for the deflex design?
If you have never built a bow start with something inexpensive like red oak and learn how to tiller. Check out George Tsoukalas' website for all the info you need to start off right and end up right and everything in the middle too.
You can get Osage staves on ****. You're going to need a draw knife to chase a ring. A band saw might help, but you don't need it. You can just take wood off with your draw knife. You should get a 4-way Nicholson rasp/file. A larger rasp you can use with two hands will also be helpful. Cabinet scrapers are also useful, but not necessary. You'll need to build a devise to put your bow in and pull back so you can stand away from it and look at how it bends. That'll help you tiller. Beyond that, I'd just say google "bow building" and other variations. There are all kinds of build alongs. Check out the build alongs on this web page.
Hmm. I guess we're not allowed to say E bay.
Heres a very good build along from a fellow trad ganger
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=002064;p=1
DXH, Pat is right. I suggest trying a red oak board bow first. Sam's thread on poorfolkbows got me started. 4rest trekker also has a good build along thread making a pyramid bow. I've make a few board bows using these two threads and other help from this site. You'll be surprised how much you will learn.
I'm still trying to get the gumption to try something tougher.
Good luck,
Stan
Well, I just built my first bow, based on advice from the guys here, and this is what I had to buy or build to do it:
Tillering tree. I built one, realized I needed double pulleys, added that, realized I needed a way to anchor it with the bow pulled at certain lengths and added that. I then ended up changing several parts put in earlier because they interfered with later additions.
Tillering gizmo: thread here:
tillering gizmo (http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=001047) http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=001047
I built mine late in the process, and my first bow would have been much better if I'd done that much earlier.
Lots of sandpaper.
Too many rasps, files, and scrapers. I finally ended up using only two of them: a microplane for the serious damage, and a scraper for the actual tillering.
You probably started with more of this stuff than me, but I figured I'd try and save you the delays I suffered when I realized I didn't have things I needed.
board bows can be very good practice for the beginner and as your skills progress you can build some very nice bows from board lumber. my area is pretty dry of good lumber choices, no hickory or maple close to me to speak of so i build with mainly red oak. ive built a range of bows from 33#@26" 65 " oal , 55#@27" 61" oal, to 72" oal, 49#@28". all very nice bows, just as rewarding to build as any other ive built. you have plenty of options for backings and finishes and decorative touches, so the sky is pretty much the limit as long as you pick good boards and do your job of being patient and tillering it well. i use a surform rasp, and a 4 way rasp along with a thumb plane to build, although ive started rough cutting my profiles and risers with a bandsaw. all the gluing i do is done with titebond 3. good luck, post questions if you have them and be sure to post some pictures of your work, we all enjoy seeing the progress everyone makes along the way.
Take a look at the videos I'm posting. I have put 3 up so far. It's a selfbow build-along. I hope this helps. Part 4 to be published soon.
Making a selfbow - Part 1
(http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoVvbCmdFOc) Part 2
(http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCmc74oZsbo&feature=related) Part 3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NPMWtRaEbI&feature=related)