Can I build self bow?

wtpops · January 24, 2012, 12:29:00 PM

Hello all, i lurk here a lot but never post. Im going to retire at the end of this year or the first of next year. I have been thinking about trying this self bow thing. I have absolute zero knowledge so will be starting from scratch.

The big question i have right off the bat is i have a 31" draw, is it feasible for me to build a self bow with my ape like draw or will i end up with splinters in my torso more often than not?

Nim-rod · January 24, 2012, 12:44:00 PM

Any draw length will work fine. All you have to do is make the bow either longer or wider than average. There is a formula but i don't have it handy. I would guess though that adding 2 or so inches to the normal length of a bow will get you to where you want safely. Of course the type of wood matters and whether or not it bends in the handle. Good luck and have fun building!

coaster500 · January 24, 2012, 01:24:00 PM

Pop's if I can do it anybody can.... I live in Morro Bay and have a Hackberry stave I can set you up with if you want to hookup and use my tiny shop shoot me a pm and we can figure out a time that works. I am a total novice ( seven bows) but I will be glad to help a neighbor out

I've got to build one for a friend that draws 30"s so I've got some long draw learning to do also

wtpops · January 24, 2012, 02:05:00 PM

Thank you guys sounds like my draw wont stop me and Coaster thank you very much for the offer but i am just in the thinking stage right now. I most likely wont even get serious our the equipment to try this until i retire.

coaster500 · January 24, 2012, 02:25:00 PM

Well Pop's I'm a bit short in the skills department but I have a little shop and the tools.... when you're ready just let me know

monterey · January 24, 2012, 02:31:00 PM

Pops, I'm mostly a glass/wood lam bow maker but have done a few self bows.

I suggest that you find and purchase all four volumes of The Traditional Bowyers Bible and give them a read. Loads of concepts and design ideas.

scrub-buster · January 24, 2012, 03:06:00 PM

I agree with monterey. Read and research all you can until you retire and are ready to build your bow.

Pat B · January 24, 2012, 03:26:00 PM

Pops, Read George Tsoukalas' website. He has lots of good info and you don't need tools or staves to read it!

Osagetree · January 24, 2012, 04:48:00 PM

Retire and build bows,,, sounds like you got your crap well together! Awsome, just awesome!!!

Yes Sir!

Roy from Pa · January 24, 2012, 05:20:00 PM

Just get er done pops:) You will love it. Biggest thing I would say with your long draw is build a longer bow of say at least 66 inches. Best of luck and welcome to the tribe.. Roy

George Tsoukalas · January 24, 2012, 05:42:00 PM

Thanks, Pat. Here you go, WT. Jawge
http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/

mwosborn · January 24, 2012, 11:42:00 PM

Go for it pops. I am just getting started - and have only built a couple. Some of my most satisfying hunting was this fall with my self made ash bow. Shooting a nice doe with my bow was like shooting a bc monster.

Take coaster up on his offer - the bows he has posted here look awesome!

I would also recommend Gary Davis video - very informational and a nice compliment to the bowyers bibles IMO.

Welcome and enjoy!!

wtpops · January 25, 2012, 09:52:00 AM

Thank you all for the info and support. I will follow your advice and start the studying part and maybe by time I start cutting wood I might know a little something.

red hill · January 25, 2012, 09:54:00 PM

Pops, jump on in. I use the formula of doubling your drawlength and adding 10% of that measurement to get bow length. I round up to the nearest inch just to be safe. This may be a little long but it has served me pretty well.
And I agree, Coaster has put some pretty nice pics on here.