Where would I begin to learn all of what's needed to become a proficient bowyer?
Is it all just self study, trial & error or are there skilled bowyers who offer education in the craft?
I'm in the planning stages of opening an archery range & equipment sales business outside of the U.S. I have the knowledge required to work on modern archery tackle but I have access to a highly skilled woodworker where I'm opening the business. I would like a way to teach him to make quality traditional bows as manufacturing them within the country would be far more economical than importing due to high import taxes & shipping costs.
You found it.
Trial and error and many bows. Making glass bows is more like engineering in wood than normal woodworking.
Scrape scrape bend repeat.
Sorry for the smart alec response, if I had to boil it down I would advise purchasing Bingham videos and starter kits etc. If you want to get to production fast.
I'll second what pago said their video will show you step by step how to build a glass bow and after you see how its done and understand it a little search the bowyers bench and you will learn more than the bingham video will i learned a lot more on here but the bingham video helped me to understand what step of the process i was looking at in the buld alongs
Trial and error is what appeals to me so much about making bows. It's the only way I learn most things besides having a few references.
I'm sure the skills used to make all wooden bows transfers over to fiberglass backed bows as well.
The Traditional Bowyer's Bible book series is the very best reference I can think of. Get all 4, there is all kinds of good info in them ranging from actual construction and theory to historical information.
For modern glass bows there are bowyers out there that offer coarses.
Won't mention the one I know of because I don't believe he is a sponsor.
Ocasionally a,bowyer needs to sell out and offers a learning experience with the purchase.