I think id like to start off by saying thanks to Eddie "Mullet" Parker for taking the time to teach me.
i have been trying to find the right technique and balance in the wood to pull out a great bow. i have been making shavings and breaking wood (green wood, and branches) to try to understand how this all comes together. no matter how much i read in books, watch videos, use already made bows, i just wasn't getting "it"... i was on the verge of just being happy to buy one from somebody that had the skills to get the job done. but then i found a magazine sitting in a chair at the book store next to me while i waited for my wife to find what she was looking for... it was amazing to me to see all the "regular Joe's" (honestly, not so regular) in the magazine doing what i wanted to do... it was my window into the world i have been so much longing to be a part of. it was full of inspirational stories of successful AND unsuccessful stories of hunting, stalking, and just the "idea" of being one with mother nature...
it was like a neon sign that said' "Welcome to Primitive Archer"
on this site i found the extra "oomph" i needed to not give up and not just encouragement, but practical help... i got to spend the day with a great person that understands the true value of generosity, fairness, and camaraderie. i brought over to have him inspect the tillering i was doing on some green pitiful stave's... and to my surprise he offered to stand over my shoulder to help my learning process along.. and a piece of cedar board to make my first Indian Flat Bow... it shoots as sweet as it smells..!!! it took us just about 8 hours of cutting , tillering, and drinking MILLER LIGHT BEER... thanks to the influence of Pappy i was told. HeHe.. i still need to do the final work to it, but i walked away with something i didn't have before.. the ability and understanding what "cured wood" looks or feels like... and the knowledge to hack one out on my own..
my advise to all you would be bowyer's.. find someone near you on this forum and try to spend the time asking as many questions come to mind, and the most important part of that is listening.
i cant wait to crank out another one...
Fla Cuban Redneck (a.k.a. Ffej)