Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: TAGGERD on January 08, 2008, 11:27:15 pm
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i have contacted a guy who is going to help me make my first bow.as i have stated before he makes a bunch of bows but uses power tools.anyway he said for 40.00 he will help me make a board hickory bow or i can make a hickory bow out of a stave. i figure to make out of a stave might be 20.00 or so more.my ? is does it make that much difference board virsus stave.i am doing this to get what ever lesson i can as well as have a pattern or bow to look at when i make one with out the use of powertools.any help would be appreciated.
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Boy that is a question. I like board bows because the wood is easier to come by here in the desert. Although there is no substitute for a good selfbow. It don't really matter what you choose since when it is time to build your second, the guys can help with any questions you have that weren't covered on the first. Justin
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A good hickory board will make a fine bow.
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Having an experienced bow maker show you the ropes will accelerate the learning curve.
I would still recommend that you invest in the Traditional Bowyers Bible 3 book set, a subscription to
Primitive Archer magazine is a must have also. Here is a link for the books http://www.horsefeathersranch.com/books.htm
The most important thing is start making shavings and have fun. Welcome to PA.
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i started with hickory board bows. i've got a couple good shooters made from hickory boards. having a bowyer show you the ropes is definately a good idea. take the help with an open mind and don't be afraid to break a bow or two.
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I would definitely make the board bow first. It will be a cheaper lesson, and you will have all the information you can absorb with the simpler project. There will be plenty of info that will carry over to stave bows. I think tillering is the main thing to see done and have explained, its hard to read about tillering and what to look for, and get it right. That, and how to actually use hand tools properly. You'd be surprised how many people will pull a rasp over wood on the return stroke, not knowing it cuts only in one direction. Or not knowing what a scraper is and how it works. Stuff like that, you'll get with the cheaper board bow lesson. You can always read the additional stuff about stave bows, backed bows, etc. and ask questions here as you progress down this path.
As for power tools, they don't do anything a hand tool won't. They just allow you to do it faster, with less effort. So keep that in mind if he shows you methods using power tools.
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Oh and "advice" is a noun, while "advise" is a verb. Someone advises you about bowering, or you get advice on the topic of bowyering.
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Lennie, will there be a pop quiz at the end of the class....Lol
Congratulation taggard on begining your journey. You are fortunate to have an experienced Bowyer to help you on your first bow. Everything the guys said is good. The board will be cheaper and when done correctly will turn out a good shooter.The thing i had/have a hard time with was understanding the choosing of a good board. Pay attention to what he says about grain orientation and it will save you a lot of grief. Danny
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thanks to all and tom it was a joke lol more of a attention getter i guess it worked
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I'll play devil's advocate and go against the herd-I'd build the stave bow instead of the board. Staves are usually tougher, and just, well, cooler. As an unaltered piece of a recently-living tree, each stave has its own individual personality and character. Like snowflakes,women, and coon dogs; no two are exactly alike. :)
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Like Steve said, I'd go with the Hickory stave bow. Hickory is tough, almost indestructable. It is also an easy ,first bow to build. All you have to do is peal the bark and make it look like a bow. No growth rings to chase,you learn how to tiller and line you string nocks up. Lot's of lessons and 9 out of 10 times ,you end up with bow you can shoot and not worry about breaking. Then your friends see it, you are cool ;D,and you are the new bow teacher :D. Then it's up to you to learn how to build different bows or charge your buddies to show them how to build a stave bow. ;) The price for someone to walk you through your first bow is reasonble to me, Lord knows I've paid more than that for Poker lessons.
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Hillbilly, what if he gets a stave like my first wife?! A board would make a suitable first girlfriend, he can make his mistakes and get slapped in the face (lets hope figuratively, not literally) and be in a better position for a serious relationship with a stave.
Great quote. Come to think of it, my dog's got a few runouts too. But this wife has almost no knots.