Wanting To Build Some Bows For My Daughters

[tradrick]

Both of my daughters have out grown their bows.I planned on getting them new ones for Christmas.At first I was thinking of just buying them a laminated bow but now I think it would be cool to build them a self bow.The bows that they have out grown were hickory longbows not cut to center.So their already use to shooting bows similar to a selfbow.My girls are 11 and 9.My oldest is tall and long armed for her age.About 5 foot tall and not sure on her draw length.But its probably at least 24 or 25''long.Is there a rule of thumb on how long a bow should be for a certain person in order to have a smooth drawing good casting bow?Such as making the bow as long NTN as the archer is tall.I have very little expierence in building bows.My first and only selfbow is one I help make for myself at Pappy's Tenn Classic.And evan then the man I bought my stick from Gary Davis had already done all the hard work.I just floor tillered it,tillered down to the poundage I wanted,and finished it,also added leather grip and shelf and am getting ready to install some tip overlays.What would be a good wood to try to build for these girls?Something easy to work.Also,can anyone recommend were to get my staves already seasoned,since this is a last minute decsion?I'm thinking hickory but am not sure how diffcult it is to work.Sorry so long winded.Thanks tradrick

[Pappy]

How tall are the girls ? I usually make them a little longer than the kid.But if you know there draw you can double it and add the handle for a minimum length.Hickory works fine but Osage is
a little more forgiving.
   Pappy

[sonny]

he'd have to chase a ring on osage, wouldn't have to if using hickory. peel the bark and there's the back....

[tradrick]

Thanks Pappy,my oldest is about 5'tall.Not sure how tall my youngest is I'd have to measure her.I don't know much about different woods but I do think I like osage better.Its just a nicer looking piece of wood IMO.My osage bow I built at your Tenn.Classic is starting to feel a little lighter or I'm just getting use to it more.Do they loose a couple of pounds after being shot a little bit.I'll be purchaseing my first bow scale in a few weeks.I'll know for sure then.Thanks tradrick

[nugget]

I think you are on the right track with the osage. I have built three nice little osage kids bows.I am working on one now for a friend of mines little girl.It will give you practice for big bows . it will also mean alot more to the child.
P.S. Osage looks neat with pink leather grips. The girls will love it..
I made mine 49" and 46" for my kids. Girl is 8 and tall , my boy is 5 and tall. I would measure there draw and double it.
Good luck.
              Nugget ( aka T.J. )

[tradrick]

Thanks for your input guys.I've been reading a little here and there on the 2 woods mentioned.From what I understand osage can be very challenging with following the growth ring and all.And since I'm a green horn at this I'm thinking my first attempts might should be hickory.So does anyone know were I might be able to purchase a couple of staves that might be dried enough to work?If I read correctly on hickory you can remove the bark and there's your back.Then you can rough the bow out(limbs and handle)and then dry it under controled conditions such as a homemade heat box.Then the bow could be ready for final tillering in as little as 1 or 2 weeks.Am I correct so far or am I way off base?tradrick

[Pat B]

For kids bows, a good hickory board and Jawge's website will get you a couple of good little bows and a wealth of knowledge.     Pat