Hey guys,
I was wondering if there was anyone out there that offers some sort of class on building bows. The build along threads on here are great, but I need a lot more help than that. I never have had anyone to help me learn any sort of mechanical or wood working skills, I guess that is just an excuse at 33(but no father to speak of). So, if any of you know someone with-in about 6-8 hours of Ohio, I would be more than happy to travel on weekends or whatever, pay them for their time, knowledge and all materials. As I read posts on here and I saw that bear hunt thread, I really have the itch to make my own bow. Something about proving to myself I can hunt with equiptment I made makes sense to me. I appreciate any input.
Thanks,
Charlie(buckeye_hunter)
Charlie: it's really a shame you're in Ohio. I don't think there is a single soul who makes bows in that state. :bigsmyl:
(maybe that will get their attention).
Getting started without hands-on instruction is not as difficult as it seems. Check out the following websites of Trad Gangers to get started: Ferret, Jawge, John Scifres, Tim Baker http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000043
Ya just missed MOJAM lots of hands on there.
I got Mark Keller's video out of 3-Rivers. It was killer !
DR
Thanks, Lost Arra. Nope. I can't think of anyone in OH who makes bows. :) Jawge
There is that one guy that lives near Cinci, what was his name???
Lost Arra,
I know there are excellent laminant bow makers in Ohio, but I don't personally know of any self bow makers. Maybe one of them will read this post.
Also, I looked at the thread you suggested. I think it might be just enough to get me in trouble. I think I could follow the first few steps, but after that.....Well shoot, I'm more likely to end up on the business end of the arrow than a deer!!
Charlie
Where are you in Ohio? I know a fella or two.
Ohio....? Makes selfbows...? What IS that fellas name ? :)
Too bad ya just missed Mojam Buckeye.Buy the Bowyers Bibles is the best advice I can give ya.It is not that hard to learn how to do and you don't need a lot of tools either.
Osage,
Just moved to Galion about 15 min west of Mansfield.
-Charlie
For osagetree :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Dano: I think he's the zookeeper at the Cincinnati zoo. He posts all sort of deer and turkey photos here. :)
Buckeye: I'm only talkin' selfbows. I can't help you with the lam bows.
If you can't find a Buckeye, come over here to Indy anytime. I'll learn ya'. We are having a bowhunt bowmaking gathering in Southern IN in October if you are interested. Here's the details: Southern Indiana Bowhunt and Bowbee (http://residents.bowhunting.net/sticknstring/2007JWBowhunt.html)
Paul Comstock? Dean Torges? Joe Weed? Kenny Yoder? Jason Lester? Mike Hall? Who you guys talking about?
Oh nobody in particular. :) Jawge
Not sure where Galion is. I'll have to look on the map when I return from the mountains on Sunday evening. I'll try to get in touch with you when I return.
If you can, do the Indiana thing with John S. I would love to do that myself, but don't know if'n I can yet.
Signing off until Sunday night!
I think they are referring to someone called "The Ferret". He is a covert bowmaker near Cincinatti, the 007 type from what I hear. :saywhat:
-Charlie
Yes, Mr. Ferret, sir, if you decide to teach a class I would be very interested in attending.
Ahhh yes,the elusive "Ferret"...yes I think he is rumored to live in Ohio.Hard to believe that he was overlooked...or is it looked over ? ;)
Brad Merkel(Littletree) 579 miles - 11 hours drive to Viroqua, WI for Bradjam next spring.
Mickey (the Ferret) Lotz 189 miles - 4 hoursdrive near Cinci
Bernie Swank - Mystic Longbows western IL SW of Peoria gives classes. 483 miles - 9 hour drive
or you can do what many of us have done... get a piece of yeller wood (osage) start hacking and post lots of pictures on here. Many folks will give you feed back and help as you go.
Yeah Buckeye, make some plans to attend the October Hoosier Nat'l forest hunt/ bow bee. Hope you cn make it.
I'll be there and quite a few others as well. I'll make sure theres a buncha wood there for you to pick from. There'll be plenty of wood I'm sure and lotsa experience waiting to be shared.
Chris
Like Shaun says, start making shaves,...it will come to ya !!!! :bigsmyl:
Since you are hundreds of miles from anyone (that we can think of, although there are undoubtedly selfbowyers in your area) here's what I'd suggest. If you are not planning on making a lot of bows and don't have alot of tools, I'd suggest either a Dryad bow blank by Mike Westvang for a BBO or for a pure selfbow, an osage bow blank by Gary Davis of Rattlestick bows. The most time consuming part of bow building is bark and sapwood removal and getting the thing into 1 growth ring.This could easily consume one whole day. Second is laying out the bow and cutting to outline. Third is getting it to floor tiller.#2 & #3 could take another whole day. And God forbid the wood has any issues that need dealing with like limb twist or alignment that needs straigthening on a caul with steam or a heat gun. Either the Dryad blank or the Gary Davis blank will have #'s 1 & 2 out of the way and mostly on the way to #3. Both will be "issue free" allowing you to concentrate on getting a bow out of the wood. Either of these blanks can be tillered in a few hours, by spending one day with an experienced bowyer.
You won't have to have a place to cut wood, a pickup truck, a chainsaw, wedges, maul, shellac, waiting time for the wood to dry,bandsaw or a draw knife.
What you will need is a rasp, a scraper and a chain saw file, some sandpaper and some tru-oil or spar urethane.
IMO a good clean osage split is worth about $100. You can get one of Garys or Mikes for under $150. A real bargain considering.
I'd be glad to help you out in tillering a blank if we can arrange it.
Minuteman,
I would say with a fair degree of certainty you guys will see me at the October Nat Forrest Hunt. I really want to build bows not just for me, but for my kids and my nephew. I appreciate all the input fellas. Who knows, maybe I'll get a stave and start taking some wood off it...
Charlie
Ferret,
I see you have come out of hiding(just kidding there). :bigsmyl: I appreciate the info and will get a hold of those guys. I went to your website earlier today, very nice selfbows pictured. Looks like it is time to light a fire under my butt!
Charlie
Yea it's been a busy day. Started about 7:30am and finished up about 8:30 tonight. I am about 2 pages behind on my Tradgang reading ha ha.
If you're planning on making several bows you're eventually going to need some tools and learn the first few steps I mentioned above. Making the Hoosier Hunt would be a great first step.I plan on being there if I'm not out of town hunting but I think I'll be in Wisconsin that weekend.No matter, looks like lots of experienced bowyers will be there to help and John Scifres is one of the best I know.
I figured I'll need some tools, but I want to see what I'll need first. Maybe I'll get a stave just to mess with.
It'll be tough to give up a weekend of hunting in October, but the tradeoff is worth it. Who knows? Maybe I could get good at it??? :knothead: