Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Kovoc on October 12, 2019, 07:51:05 pm
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I want to get into the hobby of making and using bows and someone reccomended starting out by making a board bow, can someone tell me how to make one and how to use it? I'd also appreciate some help and tips with making arrows.
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Hey Kovoc, like i said, straight grain, both sides. you do not want grain violations or it could lift a splinter or just blow altogether. you want to make the arrows after you make the bow as they have to be tuned to the bow. by a 1"x2"x6' at home depot for a board im kinda busy right now so i cant give the best answer. oh and also,
Welcome to PA! :BB
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Welcome to PA, Kovoc.
Look on the "How To..." page. at the top of the page is George Tsoukalas'(aka Jawge) is a link to his bow and arrow building sight. Jawge gives good, helpful info for finding the right board to building and tillering a board bow and making arrows from boards.
Ask lots of questions here on the forum and we'll have you building a bow in no time.
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https://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php?topic=35312.0
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Can also find utube videos by Clay Hayes ,Mike's bowyers bow, and others on making board bows.
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Welcome aboard, Kovoc! There is a wealth of knowledge here, and freely given pointers and advice!
Hawkdancer
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In our Build a longs section I bumped up a topic that will help you. Have a look. You should be well on your way to a board bow between it and George's site referenced above.
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Thank you for the kind words.
http://traditionalarchery101.com
Jawge
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http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php?topic=35312.0
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This is about the best description out there.
http://poorfolkbows.com/index.html
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And since Eric just posted, make a tillering Gizmo that he designed. It's super simple and the best thing I ever did when learning how to see and create an even bend
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http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,61422.0.html
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Thanks everyone for the help so far! Ill read all links you sent soon. I need to know one more thing, what type of string do I need for a bow, Im guessing I cant use normal string
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I use dracon b-50 because its cheaper but it stretches a lot. If you stretch it then rub it while its streached and get it hot with the friction it wont stretch anymore. I believe you can so this with your fingers. I would get another type of string though. Someone should be able to tell you a better one.
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Okay, I'm just would like to know how much the string alone is gonna cost me
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ahh ok here it is. Cheaper than b-50 and people say its better.
h ttps://www.3riversarchery.com/bcy-dynaflight-97-bow-string-material-d97-string-material.html
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Kovok, where do you live?
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I live in Nova Scotia
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String making goes along with bow making, it is not hard to do with a simple homemade jig.
A spool of B-50 is cheap and all you need to get started if you watch the string making videos on youtube.
You don't need to plunk down the extra money for fast flight string material like DF-97, B-50 will suit your needs just fine.
I just looked for B-50 at the major suppliers, Three rivers only had 1# spools, you only need 1/4#, Lancaster didn't have any. Ebay has plenty shipped free for $13-$14 for 1/4#, mostly funky colors but that doesn't matter.
I checked ebay again but looked for Dacron Bowstring Material this time and found all the colors.
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I saw 2 types of string on ebay, some of it was on rolls, but then other stuff was precut. What stuff do I need, I dont want to waste $30 CAD.
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When you make strings you cut the thread to different lengths depending on how long your bow is so the finished string will fit your bow. You want to buy material on a spool, not precut.
The precut you are seeing are probably finished bow strings not loose strings.
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As a wild guess you'll get 10-15 strings out of a 1/4# roll. If you plan on making more than one bow that's the way to go.
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Clay Hayes also has a youtube video on string making. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pkEKym0wyM&spfreload=10
Eric and a few others talked me into learning how to make strings and I'm glad they did!
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My old string jig, I forgot about taking that picture.
I put feet on my jig so I can hold it tightly in my lap and make strings.
You can get 6 or 7 strings out of 1/4# spool of B-50.
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I have never understood the need for a jig?? This is not meant to be argumentative...If there is a significant benefit I may build one. I just estimate how much length I need for the given string and start twisting. There is some waste I suppose. Not much though...does the jig eliminate that?
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All the nails on the end of the jig stagger the lengths so you end up with a nice taper on your loop but you can do that with a pair of scissors. I think the biggest thing is, once you get used to it, that you can set the middle pin on whatever length you want and get pretty close to it. I say close because you twist a little different every time. There should be little or no waste unless you call extra twists in the loop waste. I think Flemish is a nicer looking string than a continuous but you can get the continuous the right length first try. It's a toss-up I guess.
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I have never understood the need for a jig?? This is not meant to be argumentative...If there is a significant benefit I may build one. I just estimate how much length I need for the given string and start twisting. There is some waste I suppose. Not much though...does the jig eliminate that?
+2 I use a jig but its just to get a rough length, yes there is waste but there is waste in everything we do weather its building bows, leather work whatever.