bow building 101

[Bobhobly]

Hi everyone.I,m new here and new to traditional bowhunting.Am looking for some information on building a bow from ash.Have built a sweet shooting bow from osage and would like to make a different style.Can anyone direct to a good website for info on building one.already read your advice on Quivers and it helped answer some of my questions.Thanks and good hunting..Bob

[Airoh]

Hi Bobhobly:
I like to build ash bows. The main reason is for the availability, and it is much easier to find straight knot free wood. It also drys quicker than your osage did. The light to dark growth rings is distinctive. A couple basic rules that work for me are: make the bow a little longer and wider than your osage. I like a low fifties pound bow @ 29"
A good rule of thumb would be to build your stiff handled bow 2" wide out to mid limb with a taper to 1/2" @the nocks. Then take your draw lngh. and double it, then add 10 to 20%. (example) 30"x2=60"+(20%)12"=72" This has worked good for me when I build a stiff handled flat bellied bow. I feel it is much more tiller sensitive than osage. So do not ever draw the bow past your final draw weight while tillering. Exercise the bow many times between scrapings.(Warning) You have just received advice from a rookie toxophilite. ;)

The Traditional Bowers Bible has specific directions that clearly give excellent advice. I would consider Tim Baker one of the most learned men on building bows today. he has good advice in the book.

[This message has been edited by Airoh (edited 02-05-2001).]

[Airoh]

http://www.primitivearcher.com/

[Bobhobly]

Thanks for advice.Am going to have to grab up that book and give it a good read..