Hello all - I'm getting ready to take my first awkward steps into bowmaking so I thought I'd register on your forum. I've been reading it for a few weeks now and found it extremely educational. I've loved archery since I was a kid and my father made me a small longbow when he was experimenting in bowmaking. I'm a father myself now and I wanted to pick up the tradition. My dad had gotten away from bowmaking in the 80s but is very excited to rediscover it right along with me.
I've spent the past year studying various bowmaking blogs and sites and I've read through TBB 1 a few times. I've decided to start out with stave longbows, since that's the only type my dad has experience with, but I plan to move along to board bows at some point. My father is a master carpenter with 40 years of experience and he has all the tools I could need. I have spokeshaves, two drawknives, a good rasp I bought from 3riversarchery, and anything else I might need I can borrow. Since the only work space I have at my place is my patio, my father and I spent the winter building an old fashioned shave bench. We just completed it this weekend.
I don't have any real questions right now. Just wanted to introduce myself and see if any of you might be in my area. I live in Nassau County on Long Island and I have met a few traditional archers, but not a single traditional bowyer have I found. I would love the chance to meet face to face and get some real-time education, but even without that, I expect the feedback I'm going to get on this forum will be priceless.
Welcome to the site. Get cracking on a bow, we LOVE pictures, especially the full draw pics.
Welcome aboard. This place is great, lots of good info. Can't wait to see your first one.
I've sold wood to a guy on Long Island. Can't remember his name right now though. It might come to me but I am getting up in years. So don't give up hope; there's at least one other soul out there for you to find :)
Welcome aboard.
Welcome to Trad Gang! My site may help you. Jawge
http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/
Thanks for the link George. Looks like lots of useful stuff there. What part of NH are you from? Growing up I spent summers in NH just outside Littleton.
Welcome to the start of you new addiction. I started with stave bows, and still have yet to make a board bow. Although, I thought about almost, maybe making a few for some kids. Too much fun to be had makin stave bows.
I'm in Southern NH near the MA line about 10-15 minutes from Lowell, MA. Jawge
Hello from NM. Welcome to Trad Gang!
Welcome Blackie76 to the Bowyers forum.
John
Welcome, this is a great site with great people! You will learn much from these experienced individuals.