Where to start in building a selfbow

How to make a Bow, a String or a Set of Arrows. Making equipment & tools for use in Traditional Archery and Bowhunting.

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Ben123
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Where to start in building a selfbow

#1 Post by Ben123 » Fri Apr 12, 2019 12:30 pm

Hi all!
Been out of archery for quite a few years now but got hit by the bug again and I’m back at it. I’m currently just shooting a 35# Samick sage but I’ve been very keen lately to have a crack at building a selfbow. Apologies if this has already been discussed but I’m just chasing ideas on where to begin?? Is the selfbow stave kit from 3rivers worthwhile? Or is there a bowyer in Perth that could maybe help me out?
Thanks in advance for any help!!!

Ben

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greybeard
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Re: Where to start in building a selfbow

#2 Post by greybeard » Mon Apr 15, 2019 1:53 pm

Hi Ben,

Have you sourced your timber? To a large degree bow design is dependant on the type of timber being used.

Will you be using milled boards or split billets?

The 3 Rivers stave will probably cost you over $200.00 landed in Australia.

3 Rivers disclaimer;

“Limited Warranty: These staves are warranted for 30 days after the purchase date. However, as soon as the stave is worked with any tool or sand paper the warranty is null and void. (Un-worked staves are affected by heat and moisture and should be worked, finished, and sealed as soon as possible.)”

I purchased a plank of hard rock maple from my local timber merchant for $82.05 the plank being 125x25 x3600 mm. A similar size plank of hickory cost a little more. Buying a plank is cost effective as a plank should yield up to six bows.

To build in durability I like backing the bow with pole bamboo.

You may have already read these posts.

http://www.ozbow.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=15152

http://www.ozbow.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=15392

http://www.ozbow.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=14522

http://www.ozbow.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=13037

Daryl.
"And you must not stick for a groat or twelvepence more than another man would give, if it be a good bow.
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken.
[Ascham]

“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]

I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....

Ben123
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Apr 12, 2019 8:55 am

Re: Where to start in building a selfbow

#3 Post by Ben123 » Tue Apr 16, 2019 7:46 pm

Thanks for the reply Daryl!!! I haven’t read them. There’s heaps of information there!! Thank you!! I haven’t actually got any timber or sorted anything yet. I guess that’s a good place to start! :razz:
Thanks again for the reply!! I’ll probably ask a few more questions down the track when I get to it!

Ben

sina55
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Location: PERTH (MULLALOO)

Re: Where to start in building a selfbow

#4 Post by sina55 » Tue Apr 16, 2019 8:23 pm

Hi Ben
I have found this to be the best place to source timber in Perth. Before you go there you will really need to know exactly what your after.

The Timber Bloke
Lumber store in Naval Base, Western Australia
Address: 20 Lionel St, Naval Base WA 6167
Phone: 0417 175 590

Regards
Gary

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