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Can I have advice on making an authentic English Longbow?

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Little Robin Hood:
Hi, I'm Little Robin Hood, in the US, and I'd like to make my own longbow.   Where do I start?   What tools should I get, and where can I get yew wood?   All you experienced archers, help!

In particular, could Duffontap help me out?   His post on making a Mary Rose replica is awesome.

Thanks! ;)

markinengland:
LRH,

The first thing to do is decide what you mean by "Authentic English Longbow". Over here we can't agree about what that is ourselves!

I think a good start would be to get Pip Bickerstaffe's book "Heritage of the Longbow". This gives some good infomation on bow design, construction, tiller shape etc. Read it before you do much else.

I would advise that you make a few laminated ELBs before venturing into a yew one. Hickory backing and osage looks very period. Once you have these mastered then maybe it is time to try your hand at yew. That is the advice I would give myself, which is why I haven't yet touched the yew I have in my wood loft!

I think it would be good if you could see a bow and handle it. For me nothing works quite as well as direct experience, to see, hold, touch etc.

Mark in England

Bowbound:
Follow marks advice,

I would also start with lighter bows maybe 50lbs working up to a warbows weight. You might want to try a few self bows of ash etc.

Please leave any yew till later after a few bows with sucess then try the yew. It would be a waste if you broke a yew bow because it was you're first attempt.

ravenbeak:
Robin Hood,

I'd encourage you to just dive in.  Use whatever wood you have the most access too,  build lots,  break lots,  and learn from what breaks.

Around here,  I'm rich in yew,  It's all i've ever used,  and yes i've broke my share.

just dive in,   make shavings (get a farriers rasp) and bend wood.  watch out,  it's addictive

alanesq:

I agree, ash would be a very good place to start and it would result in an authentic English Longbow

you can easily get a 100lb bow from self ash (above this it gets more difficult)

btw - you can see my "back street bowyer" guide about how I did it here: www.alanesq.com

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