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Help for beginners

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kyleighterry:
Hey everybody, new to the sub and happy to be here. I’ve wanted to build a traditional self bow for around two decades now and finally am in a position to do it, does anybody have any advice on finding wood to use? A little clarification: I watched the Dan Santana video on the board bow and liked it but I really don’t want to have to glue on an extra section of wood for the handle. I would really rather use a more traditional stave and work it from there. However, I am hoping not to have to wait two years from the time I find a good stave. Are there lumber yards that sell seasoned wood in appropriate cuts for bow making? I’m in northern Colorado if that helps anything. Thanks for getting to the end of this long winded question but I am very enthusiastic about this, albeit a bit lost as to where to start. Been watching Correy Hawk’s stuff for a while, making it to one of his courses is definitely bucket list. Thanks everyone!

Muskyman:
I’ve bought a few yew staves from ravensbeak. They are seasoned 4-5 years typically. That said, they are a little pricey at around $300.00 +- And you might find something else online.
You could also make a bend through the handle board bow. If you’re really lucky someone on here might have a stave they would part with.
Either way you’re definitely on the right site to get help. Some really good people and advice to be had on here. Good luck.

willie:

--- Quote from: kyleighterry on January 24, 2025, 12:14:20 am --- I am hoping not to have to wait two years from the time I find a good stave.

--- End quote ---

you can build bow a month from cutting the stave if you dry it correctly.

what kind of trees do you have nearby?

Del the cat:
Here's my advice from my blog, but I don't know what trees grow near you;-
https://bowyersdiary.blogspot.com/2021/04/advice-for-beginners.html
Del

PEARL DRUMS:
Spend the money on a nice osage stave and don't look back. I don't buy osage and have no idea what it goes for. But, I know its less than yew by half, I'd bet. Paul Comstock's flyer "The Bent Stick" is a very simple, generic build and easy to follow guidleine. Traditional Bowyers Bible 1 and 2 are a few more priceless learning tools. Take your time a success is very achievable. I tend to stay away from YouTube stars. There is a lot of blah, blah, blah, blah, with no experience behind it. Clay Hayes vids are some I would suggest. He's just a guy making bows like just a guy would. You will need a pencil, 12" flexible ruler, sharp draw knife, 3/16 chainsaw file, a few half round rasps and a scraper. The rest is just work and patience.

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