Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Bear67 on February 08, 2009, 05:05:46 pm

Title: bow wood
Post by: Bear67 on February 08, 2009, 05:05:46 pm

I am new to making bows ( never having done it before) and I have seen other posts where some one has mentioned going to a lumber store and getting wood.  I was wondering what kind and what type ( 2x4,4x2,etc) would be recommended.  I also would love to find a list of definitions to the terms used.  I need to get the Boyer's bibles 1-4 but right now its just not an option with money.  Any info or help would be appreciated.  Thank you.  this group is the best bunch of guys i have run into in a long time.

Title: Re: bow wood
Post by: youngbowyer on February 08, 2009, 05:09:48 pm

For your first bow i would recomend red oak, hickory, maple etc.

Title: Re: bow wood
Post by: Bear67 on February 08, 2009, 05:29:12 pm

around here we have blue oak, valley oak, scrub oak, pine and fur.  Don't know if any of them would work.

and thanks for the info Youngbowyer.  I also have access to some eucalyptus, don't knwo if it would make a good stave or not.

Title: Re: bow wood
Post by: youngbowyer on February 08, 2009, 08:47:09 pm

Try going to your local lumber yard or home depot or lowes and see if they have a straight grained piece of red oak or maple.

Youngbowyer

Title: Re: bow wood
Post by: Bear67 on February 09, 2009, 05:35:07 pm

Thanks for the info, but do you know what size ofboard to start with?

Title: Re: bow wood
Post by: Justin Snyder on February 09, 2009, 07:03:49 pm

Read George's site on board bows first and you will be way ahead. http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/boards.html
Also if you can find a hardwood store with hickory it is hard to beat for beginners.  Justin

Title: Re: bow wood
Post by: Bear67 on February 10, 2009, 12:01:12 am

Thanks Justin, I have gone to Georges site and I am going to look at the lumber store to see what I can find.  I just have the bug to get started and build a bow.  I'm normally patient but i just can't wait.

Title: Re: bow wood
Post by: Auggie on February 10, 2009, 06:54:39 am

Check for cabinet makers ect. in your area those guys use hard woods,and you will have better odds of finding good grain boards than at the lumber yards. Ive used a 6"x6' oak and got two good ones  out of it.

Title: Re: bow wood
Post by: shamus on February 10, 2009, 08:05:16 am

this might help"

Tim Baker on your first wooden (and/or lumber) bow: http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/topic/6222

Tim Baker's list of bow woods: http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/topic/6213

Jawge already mentioned his site.  be sure to check out Sam's site: http://www.geocities.com/salampsio/index.html

you can also check out my website.: http://analogperiphery.blogspot.com/. You may find some helpful stuff in the Selected Archery Articles section on the right.

if you are short on money, then I would spend $15 and get Paul Comstock's "The Bent Stick".

Title: Re: bow wood
Post by: Bear67 on February 10, 2009, 06:41:50 pm

Thanks guys i will check out both of your ideas and here's to happy boyering>

Title: Re: bow wood
Post by: Sparrow on February 11, 2009, 01:52:12 am

Hear,Hear !  Frank