I am looking for suggestions for a self bow class or workshop in Michigan. Any reviews or opinions would be appreciated. I am especially interested in working with Osage.
Thanks,
Chuck
Hey Chuck,
I'm not sure about selfbows but give Two Tracks a try. They're a sponsor here and I believe they invite people to their shop for hands on instruction. Good luck!
-Jeremy :coffee:
If you aren't already on there, you might check on the Primitive Archer site. They're all selfbow/primitive, so you stand a good chance of finding some folks working on them in your area.
I'm from way south of there, myself, so I don't have any actual ideas for gatherings. Maybe MOJAM, in Marshall, MO. But that's still quite a ways.
I think Gary Davis in Chesaning Mich. might offer self bow classes.
i am going down to the tennessee classic april 29 thru may first.it is a gathering of some of the best selfbow makers out there.there will be guys there willing to teach you.this will be my first time going.you can camp there and there is a 3D shoot.lots of osage will be worked at this gathering.there is probably more info on the events page on this website.hope this helps,steve
You dont really need classes to build a bow. Quite honestly you would learn your own way by going at it yourself.....slowly. John Scifres is a sponsor here. He will send you a roughed out osage stave for $130.00. All you need to finish it is a GOOD rasp, a GOOD scraper, sand paper, a tiller tree or stick, chainsaw file and good scales, I prefer digitals. The Bowyers Bench "next door" is full of knowledge and sharing. You can build your own bow Chuck. Get those elbows greased up good and get crackin'!
Thanks for the input guys. I appreciate it. I've made two self bows, but thought I could benefit from someone who has done a bunch of them. I have heard of Gary Davis, and might give him a call. I have a beautiful snakey Osage stave and thought I might seek some help before tackling it. Thanks again.
Chuck
I think work shops are a great idea-my son and I have done several. I don't know about out East-Raptor Archery, John Strunk and Jay St Charles run them here on the West Coast.
If you want to build bows like Gary does, buy his Rattlestick DVD. He goes through every single step from cutting a tree down to shooting the bow. It doesnt get much more comprehensive. If you have made two self bows and both are still shooting you have it nailed down already Chuck!