Hi... I really want to make an english style longbow... a selfbow. And I know nothing. But!  There are some kits for sale on **** that are priced in the $30-$40 range that have a stave, riser block, bamboo backing, etc.  They say they are squared for easy gluing.  So... If I were to buy a kit like this... what would be the best resource to get started? I'm assuming that it will mostly be using scrapers and rasps, etc to get the pieces down to size and glue?  Anyway...If somebody could direct me to good resource or anybody has any suggestions, that would be great.  I am really on a budget and am hoping not to have to buy an entire library... I just need the basics to get me to a rough-hewn, servicable, 50# longbow.

Thanks!

To my understanding, those are bamboo backed bows, not selfbows.  But I have seen his kits, and they look good.  The hardest part for me was thinning the boo and taper barreling it.  If he does that for you, your set.  You will still need to cut out the core IPE.

Yes... not a selfbow. That was my original intention but then I saw the kit. I just ordered the little booklet about making hickory-bamboo backed longbows.  Do you think that will get me most of the way? Unfortunately, at this stage... I'm sure what taper barreling is.. but I hope he did it? If not.. well, I do want to learn this craft. Thanks!

Would you mind posting the e-Bay link?  

(weird how that word comes up blanked out, as if it was a bad word or something)

This fella has a great BBI build along.
http://www.geocities.com/salampsio/ipe1.htm

Knowing the work that goes into making a quality bamboo backed bow, I'd be leery of a $30 kit.  But, it's probably worth a shot if you got $30.  Have you read all the info available on this site and the *********** (stickbow.com)?

I'm reading like a madman, wondering if I made a mistake.  But I guess if I take my time...

Yes... I've been looking at those build-alongs of his... wondering if I've made a mistake!  I'm just being dramatic... but I really want this to be a success.


Here is the link to a similar one:  http://cgi.****.com/Longbow-Parts-Kit-IPE-Core-Bamboo-Backing-Recurve-NEW_W0QQitemZ310136450293QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item310136450293&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trk parms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

I guess you have to type ehay(b) into that link (where the asterisks are) to get it to work.

Mossanimal. Please read my "by line"    We all started as scared newbies, wether 30 years ago or last week. If you take your time and are not scared to use a few boo boo's as learning experiences this bowyer gig is a whole lot of fun.
My first bow was a hickory sapling that looks like a boomerang. My second bow was an oak board bow that went bang the first time I went to put a short tillering string on it. I cut it down and am trying for a kids bow out of that one. My third bow was a yellow birch board bow that is shooting very nicely.
Just relax and TAKE YOUR TIME. Follow the directions and move slowly. Nobody has the perfect way for making a bow, that is the beauty of this, we are all right. have lotsd of fun and keep us posted, with lots of pictures.

You can't argue with the feedback but he sure will work cheaper than I would.