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Bows / Re: bamboo self bow build
« Last post by bentstick54 on January 30, 2026, 09:17:40 pm »That’s coming along very nicely Dave. Can’t wait to see how it performs for you. Im betting it will be a good one.
Recent Posts
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Bows / Re: bamboo self bow build
« Last post by Selfbowman on January 30, 2026, 09:00:32 pm »Dave are the ends working at all know? I know you are more familiar with what you are doing but I would try parallel for 8-9” then straight taper to the tips. That’s assuming the bamboo is thick enough on the ends. But make all but the last three inches not bend. But that’s me . IM watching and learning. Like it so far!
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Bows / Re: bamboo self bow build
« Last post by superdav95 on January 30, 2026, 08:29:09 pm »hey guys. i got it to brace and holy cow this thing is way heavier then i anticipated. I had pre tillered both the limbs using my bench vice tiller set up before glue up so i knew that the bend would be close but its closer to 60-70lbs. plucking the string it sounds like a piano string for cryin out loud! The bend looks good and well balanced at this brace so i guess thats good. anyway here are some brace pics at low brace of 5.25" from belly. I want at least 6-6.25" Ill try posting a video too if i can get it to work. Ive got some reduction to do which isnt all bad i guess. Ill keep yall posted.
Video clip
https://youtube.com/shorts/x4XMTLokRYk?si=yJx1ZzZbZ-2sG73X
Video clip
https://youtube.com/shorts/x4XMTLokRYk?si=yJx1ZzZbZ-2sG73X
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Bows / Re: bamboo self bow build
« Last post by superdav95 on January 30, 2026, 08:16:04 pm »Beautiful bow dave, love the woods in the handle.
Thanks man.
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Bows / Re: bamboo self bow build
« Last post by Stickbow Felty on January 30, 2026, 06:53:32 pm »Beautiful bow dave, love the woods in the handle.
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Bows / Medieval Irish bow and crossbow drawings
« Last post by stuckinthemud on January 30, 2026, 05:54:55 pm »These are the drawings of finds from Waterford in Ireland. The archaeologist identified all of them as bow fragments but noted some quirks, like one had a completely straight edge. I think some are now, but some are not, more likely being crossbows. Anyway , I hope you find them interesting and I'd love to hear your thoughts.
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Bows / Re: bamboo self bow build
« Last post by superdav95 on January 30, 2026, 04:58:32 pm »Thanks guys! I’m hoping to get a string made this week if I can sort it out. I’ve got some flax linen I’ll try first and if that fails I’ll used a sinew material string used for old tennis rackets. I’ve heard of good results with those. I’ll make a b55 string for now to do some testing but will need to get on the arrows like you say Kevin. I’ve got some 29” shafts ready to get at those weights. I plan to barrel round the mid section of the arrows. I’ve got a few to replicate from Arvin so here’s hoping I can figure it out. Thanks again guys for all the input.
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Bows / Re: bamboo self bow build
« Last post by sleek on January 30, 2026, 03:17:26 pm »Im looking forward to chronograph tests. The critical arrow weights to test are 450 grains and between 150 to 170 gr. I have high hopes for this bow, especially in broadhead. Flight may prove difficult due to the longer draw length. Short stiff arrows do better than longer ones due to spine and weight.
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Arrows / Re: Fancy Eastern Woodlands style blunt with Buzzard
« Last post by jameswoodmot on January 30, 2026, 02:59:22 pm »Nice Eastern Woodland style arrow. I like the carved blunt. Good thing you aren't in the US with the buzzard feathers. That could be a $10,000 arrow here in the US.Thanks!
There aren’t too many things we have more freedom with when it comes to the outdoors and wildlife but it’s one of them!
There are a handful of birds of prey and about 30 odd other birds that you can’t handle under any circumstances.
I think maybe historically in Britain we preferred to go to other peoples countries and hunt their animals to extinction so there hasn’t been such a need to protect our own.
There are various licenses you can get for taxidery and such but generally as long as you can prove it died accidentally or naturally it’s ok
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Arrows / Re: Fancy Eastern Woodlands style blunt with Buzzard
« Last post by Pat B on January 30, 2026, 02:11:57 pm »Nice Eastern Woodland style arrow. I like the carved blunt. Good thing you aren't in the US with the buzzard feathers. That could be a $10,000 arrow here in the US.