How thick should a bow stave be?

A good width near the handle of each limb is 2 inches. Now, taper both limbs from that 2 inch beginning to ½ inch wide at the tip of the bow. Leaving the handle as is, on each limb remove wood from the belly of the bow (the inside, or side facing you when you draw the bow). Take each limb down to ½ inch thick.

Is hickory good for making bows?

A hickory self bow is a great place to start the bow building journey. Hickory is readily available, nearly indestructible, and very forgiving as a bow wood. Although this stave is well seasoned, hickory is one species that will allow you to rough out a bow from a green stave without too many drying cracks.

What wood is best for bow making?

Some of the best wood for making bows include Osage orange, yew, ash, black locust, and hickory; most hardwoods (like oak and maple) will work. Start with a relatively straight sapling or branch that is free of knots, side branches, and twists, about 6 feet (2 m) long and 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter.

Is pine wood good for bow making?

Pine is NOT a good bow wood, however, any wood can be a “bow wood” if the design fits the properties of the specific wood. For Pine I recommend very wide, I mean three or four inches. Be sure to back it with a heavy linen or silk cloth as well.

How long should a bow stave dry?

Let the wood season. At this point the bow stave should be kept under cover and not exposed to extreme temperature or humidity changes until it is seasoned. Typical wood cures at a rate of 2″ per year, so a 4″ diameter log will take approximately a year to season, while a 12″ diameter log could take three years.

Does Mulberry make good bows?

Mulberry will make a good bow and its easy to work. There’s not supposed to be any difference in quality between red or white mulberry. Yes you can just remove the bark and cambium and use the first growth ring for the bow’s back.

Is dogwood good bow wood?

Yes, flowering dogwood does make a good bow.

Can you make a bow out of pecan wood?

Pecan is a hickory ( close enough that it can cross pollinate and produce a “hiccan”). It makes a great bow and is sometimes sold as a hickory.

Is bamboo good for making a bow?

Taking it back to basics Bamboo is the perfect material for a bow as it’s flexible; a bow must be able to flex and spring back to shape, to give the arrow its much-needed propulsion!

Is Bamboo good for making a bow?