Trying to figure out if this stave is worth making into a bow. Just trimmed most of the bark. It's ash.

Rest of the wood is pristine.

Hello! I’m not sure which side would be more appropriate for the back or the side of this wood - my instinct is that the right side of the image is more suitable for the back and belly, but I want to double check. This is a maple 2x2

Howdy folks! I'm brand new here so sorry if this has been posted a billion times already.

I am brand new to the world of bow making. In fact, I'm new to archery period, I've never so much as drawn a bow before!

I've been watching a ton of YouTube videos (including those from Santana which is how I found this group) and taking careful notes on the tools to use, how to build a proper Tillering board and tree, etc. I have two main questions that I haven't quite found answers to:

The first: Can I realistically practice stave shaping and tillering on a typical off the shelf 2x4? I don't expect a working bow of course, but I'd like to practice the techniques before moving onto a more suitable (and more expensive) board. If yes, would a Kiln dried or pressure treated board be better suited for this? I assume the dried would be?

Second: How do you determine your stave shapes and widths? Taper design and rate? I understand that the wood type and quality drastically affects the necessary width of the limbs, but is there some sort of formula that helps give a general idea? Obviously in terms of shape the flatbow will be the easiest to start with, but when I am practiced enough to make the leap into round profile bows, how are those best shaped?

Thank you so much in advance for your time, I'm looking forward to this journey!

https://preview.redd.it/t1n93335w3yd1.jpg?width=3060&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=998a3d471023a82d9a011bce429e517cefce8258

https://preview.redd.it/nv7ipi46w3yd1.jpg?width=3060&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6ac6e21eb33ba6b916fd2e011f051b95a3bcf38a

Ordered this 81"x 2" Bamboo slat which I was planning to add as backing to a 65" Hickory bow... But as soon as I opened it my jaw was on the floor when I saw that all the Nodes had been removed! I don't know why they'd do this but I don't want to give up on laminating my hickory bow with Bamboo. What can be done to salvage this? What steps can I take to make this bamboo slat safe to implement as backing onto my hickory bow?

I already know how I wanna make everything except for the trigger mechanism. I dont know how to make it and I've seen people cut prices of metal but I don't have the tools for that. How can I make a trigger mechanism without having to cut metal?

So I've heard that you can use pine sap and animal farm mixed to make a seal/finish for the bow and I was wondering what all could be used in place of animal farm. Can I just simply use bacon grease or something or will I have to buy fat online?

Hey guys

So I have access to some American elm wood from cuttings in my backyard and I was wondering if there were optimal self bow designs for a stave that is 6 foot long and 3 inches in diameter ?

I didn't think a pyramid or mere Heathe design would work because of the massive crowning in such a thin stave, assuming I know nothing about de-crowning of course.

So im getting into making bows but i have never shot a bow or really messed around with a bow. So i have a question. Can i just use any arrow for a selfbow? Or is there Differences beside how long an arrow is How do i arrow after i make a bow

Hi all,

I'm not sure how to proceed with this bow... I planned a pyramid bow pulling ~50# at 28" draw length. I was also planning a more circular tiller but it hasn't quite gone to plan. I think I would need to have a more abrupt handle fade; it's currently a gradual and smooth fade into the thickness taper to 1/2" at the tips, so the inner limbs aren't bending.

I also have about 3/4" set on the left limb which makes the bend more extreme on that limb which is throwing me off, as shown in the photos. Should I try salvage this, or start on a new one?

Thanks!

https://preview.redd.it/rcn4zolg6yxd1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d0c20517e5cafda7a222c4e76a0819b5069c50b7

https://preview.redd.it/1ec78vlg6yxd1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f1a529a1b440d4a7896032ca51b05f85cd4545b7

https://preview.redd.it/nzppqolg6yxd1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6db5ea36aa8bd807e2fc477a620f042dc91da883

https://preview.redd.it/oe5ivplg6yxd1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=928eb7a23b87c7d1f488714972c30573edaa387f

I’m a 4 year compound shooter with a couple of flagships sitting at home but on a Tuesday night it gets tedious shooting 9 yards in the garage with flagships compound. So, I’m Going to start an oak board bow tonight as a first go at it. I’ve watched a couple of the play by play videos but am a bit stuck on a string. I’m not keen on making my own adjustable length string for my try so I’m curious about string length. Going to go for ~72” tip to tip (29” draw length). What length string should I buy?

I have a straight grained 66" hard maple board that is 2.5" wide. Targeting 55# @ 30" draw for a hunting bow. What limb shape/dimensions would you recommend to achieve this goal? Would I need to flip the tips to provide better string angle for the long draw length and short overall length? I've already glued on an 8" hickory handle section.

What board from like Home depot Should i get? Is there a big Difference between red oak and Maple (I have no clue what kind of maple) Ive see videos saying Maple is better than Redoak But maybe i shouldnt put much thought into it as its my 2nd bow. Also Anyone got Videos on Floor Tillering im still kind of lost on it And want my 2nd bow to be better than my first!