I've got to make a selfbow.I know its kinda weird considering I've yet to take any big game with traditional equipment ,but I'm already getting the strong urge to to hunt with a selfbow(that selfbow succes thread didn't help any :thumbsup: ) and stone and bone points.I'm even ready or even looking forward to the challenge of being real close and personal before I can take the shot.So my question is what kind of tools and literature would get me started to make a good working bow.I know I'd need a rasp,a tiller string,and of course a good stave,but what else?I really would appreciate any help. :goldtooth:
Thanx,
Ethan
Buy "Hunting The Osage Bow" from Dean Torges first. Everyone has their preferred tools but this book will explain all that stuff to you and much more.
In the immortal words of Tom Mussato. "This book helped me."
Ethan:
I would first suggest that you go to your local Libary and check out all the books that you can find about ARCHERY and Bow building.
Contact Dean Torges, a member here on Trad Gang and a good friend of mine, He has helped Me more that I can ever repay Him and also buy Paul Comstock's book The Bent Stick. In others words do your Homework and learn all you can before investing Money into Bow building.
This is the very route that i took when I got the bug to make My own Archery equiptment and gave up Hunting with the Compund Bow, now I make Bows to sell. But it all started at the local Libary.
You will find that this site here Trad Gang is full of a bunch of guys that are willing to help with any problems that you may incounter in your Bowyering....ONE SHOT... :) :) :)
Did you see this thread: http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=048989#000000
I highly recommend a search for "selfbow" here on the TG. You could read for days.
Here's My Site. (http://residents.bowhunting.net/sticknstring/default.html) There's some selfbow stuff on there.
Have fun,
John
Traditional Bowyers Bible Vol. 1 A set of 3 scrapers from 3 rivers (1 straight 2 curved) a good drawknife (do a search on that e auction site) and all the patience you can muster.
Since Youre Buying Volume 1, Buy the Other 2 while Youre at it! You will buy them anyway!
The Ferret's Board Bow design. Worked for me.
Get the Stickery Home School video from 3-Rivers, with Mark Keller. This good 'ole boy from Grayson County will have you making one the week you watch it. Trust me. Good luck and put a picture up of your 1st one.
DR
Ethan, what part of MO are you in. There are quite a few self bow guys around MO that could probably help you out.
In addition to all the good advice above, you might also wanna check out Jawge's site. Lots of good info there too.
Jawges archery web site (http://mysite.verizon.net/georgeandjoni/archer.html)
if you aren't too far from the kansas line, I can put you in touch with someone who has more osage than he can ever use. Cut your own or find a seasoned log... whatever floats your boat.
Guys I sure appreciate all the advice.This really is just a great site.
John,I cant believe I missed that thread thanks.
I live in Stockton it's in the Southwest corner.I'm actually only about 50 miles from the Kansas line with relatives who live right on it.
I'll have to get that book from Dean Torges and to be honest the Bower's Bible completely slipped my mind.
Thank you all!!,
Ethan