Buying Bow Woods in Northern VA

MechArcher053 · September 09, 2013, 03:41:00 PM

I'm looking to make a selfbow but I don't know where I could find decent/good bow making woods other than Red Oak boards at Home Depot (this results in a lengthy sorting which rarely yields a decent board). I'm new to traditional archery and even more at making my own stuff, so apologize in advance if I have many questions.

Anyone know where I could buy any bow quality woods in Northern VA. I live in Lorton (about 5 minutes from Woodbridge), don't know that piece of info will help.

Scott E · September 09, 2013, 08:37:00 PM

I just left NOVA

Do you have access to a place where you can cut your own? Lots of whitewoods (oak, hickory, ash) and some osage if you look hard enough.

I would recommend checking out Pinehollowlongbows.com they have bow making material that is guaranteed to be quality. No culling through hundreds of boards to find the one gem. They also have some really nice kits. Their hickory flat bow kit and bamboo back and belly kit are on my shortlist.

Scott E · September 09, 2013, 08:41:00 PM

http://www.northlandforest.com/manassas.shtml
http://www.viennahardwood.com/
http://cpjohnsonlumber.com/

That should get you started. Buy more than you think you'll need and dont be afraid of messing up a bow. Post pictures on here and you'll get advice from some of the best.

subsonic · September 09, 2013, 09:06:00 PM

CP Johnson has a good selection. Very helpful.

red hill · September 09, 2013, 11:02:00 PM

2x on Pine Hollow. I met Mike Yancy a few weeks ago, great guy! Reasonable prices and quality products. I've also used 3rivers with good results. But I get stuff from Pine Hollow faster.

michaelschwister · September 10, 2013, 05:56:00 AM

I live in the shenandoah valley and we are COVERED in osage and pignut hickory. Send me a PM, I hunt quantico quite a bit.

MechArcher053 · September 10, 2013, 02:10:00 PM

Thanks a lot for the help, guys. Looks like I've got places to visit for this weekend.

I'll certainly be posting pics of my progress and any questions I have throughout the process. Seems like there's an endless amount of people here that can help and give really good advice, which is always good for the new guy like me.

LittleBen · September 11, 2013, 01:33:00 PM

Hey if you're in Lorton you should also check out Northern Virginia Archers. Its a great range with aot of good people and a fair trad following. I'm a member as is Canopyboy (Dave Grant), Kingsnake (sp?), Killdeer, and a few others.

Regarding the wood, you can get some decent Ipe in 2x4x8' pieces from smoot lumber in alexandria.

I just bought a 2x4 of it and havent cut it yet, but if you're interested in a piece let me know, I've been meaning to go bother Canopyboy for some shop time anyway. Shoot me a PM if you're interested, you can have a slice of it at cost. I think it's like $15 for a slice 1.5" wide x ~1" thick x 8ft long ... plenty for a backed bow and a riser. Smoot won't cut it so I've got it whole still.