Building a Hickory Selfbow

[shootinwithJesus]

Hello! Read a lot on the forum here but rarely ever post. Ordered tools and a Hickory Stave from Raptor Archery that will be here this coming Monday. This will be my first ever attempt at building a bow of any kind. Would like to create this post in order to have access to the knowledge you guys have. For now, any tips for a beginner? I have numerous custom bows, so I have a good vision of what I would like my ultimate finished product to be. Any basic guidance before I get started? Thanks in advance.

[Osagetree]

Be sure it's good and dry, 2" @ fades tapering to tips & go slow on tillering or experience string set.
Just my two cents, others with more experience using hickory should chime in.....

[LittleBen]

Osage tree has good advice.

My other advice: for your first bow:
Make it wide, make it long, make a simple longbow, go slow.

[Pat B]

2x what both said. take and post pics as you go. They really help us help you.

[shootinwithJesus]

Will definitely post photos along the way. Materials will be in tomorrow. Thanks guys!

[Pat B]

I'd give the hickory stave a week of two to acclimatize to your area's R/H before jumping into it.

[TradBowyer]

You will need some kind of drying box if working hickory in NC. Trust me on this. Hickory has to be at least 6% moisture or it will take set and be sluggish. I'm in pa and work a lot of hickory. I use a moisture meter every day on my stuff and I also keep it in the drying box until it's sealed up. But hickory is a good Wood and forgiving of minor flaws. Take your time and you will get a bow that shoots

[macbow]

Osagetree.
When you say take your time on tillering to avoid string follow.
What does,that mean exactly?

By taking time is it to remove a little wood exercise then wait a day.
In Other words once tillering is started,it should not be finished in a day?
Thanks

[shootinwithJesus]

I'm no longer in NC  the military has moved me to Hawaii since. I assume that will make it even more of a challenge given the humidity?

[LittleBen]

Originally posted by macbow:
Osagetree.
When you say take your time on tillering to avoid string follow.
What does,that mean exactly?

By taking time is it to remove a little wood exercise then wait a day.
In Other words once tillering is started,it should not be finished in a day?
Thanks

I won't speak for him, but when I second his thoughts I mean don't settle. I other words, tiller carefully. Few scrapes, escercise, check tiller.

[Eric Krewson]

Make a tillering gizmo;

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=001047#000000

[Roy from Pa]

X'2 on gizmo.

[David Flanrey]

X's 3 on the gizmo.  

Also, on the exercise of bow as tillered.

Also, don't try to make it too heavy a bow for your first.

[KellyG]

I just want to watch you build it. SO lets get started.  

[shootinwithJesus]

Haha. It arrives today (Hawaii time) Kelly! I'm as stoked as you. Nervous, but stoked.

[Msturm]

ShootinwithJesus, You on Oahu?  Lets go get some guava. I know a couple spots with nice trees.  I have also made a self bow or two, Im no expert, but I might be able to give ya a pointer or two.

[shootinwithJesus]

I am on Oahu! I'll Pm you

[shootinwithJesus]

All, with my stave coming from Raptor Archery, does it require drying time or is it ready to work?

[Msturm]

I would let it sit for a while (week) just to get used to the humidity here.

[shootinwithJesus]

Got my staves bark side halfway stripped to the white wood tonight. Only had about 30 minutes to work. Looks great this far. Trying to post photos but can't figure out how just yet. Any assistance?