The Armour Archive

I've decided to try and make a Longbow. All my life I've spent my free time in a wood shop thanks to my father's trade, so I have all the tools I could need, as well as access to the wood and horn I would need.
What I don't have is experience or a place to start.
So, my question is, for those who have had success with this in the past.....are there any books or places of reference you would sugest?

Thanks in advance.

For literature nothing beats: The Bowyer's Bible (vols 1-3). (about $15/ea in paperback from Amazon).

For direct advice and help: Paleoplanet.net

Scroll down the forums until you see "Archery: Primitive bows". Many skilled bowyers there.
-Cian

Also "Longbow"
by James Hardy.

-Graedwyn

Though "The Longbow; a social and military history" by hardy does have explanation of English longbow (livery bow) construction with photos and illustrations/studies of extant mary rose bows. Bow manufacture is not the main emphasis of the book, and would not be the best selection for someone looking at starting on making their own bow.

If he's already made a few bows and is now looking to make specifically an ELB, then I'd probably suggest Hardy's book for how to make it as period as possible in form and function.

I don't think that book addresses many of the issues that can develop from chosing stock, or developing hinges and twists or what have you, as you work the bow, where as the bible has much more specific information on construction and problem solving.
-Cian

Get the first volume of the bowyers bible. Then get either of the hardy books, then get more books as your obsessions guide you. Seriously, v. 1 of the bowyer's bible is the best book on actually making bows I've ever run across.

Find someone who has actually tillered a bow, so you can go to them with problems. Find some cheap wood you can practice on. Read the Bowyer's Bible especially the chapters on bow design and construction. Practice some more. Then get a piece of wood and go to work.

Jean-Michel

PS you can PM me with questions I have actually tillered a bow or two.

I don't think that book addresses many of the issues that can develop from chosing stock, or developing hinges and twists or what have you, as you work the bow, where as the bible has much more specific information on construction and problem solving.
-Cian[/quote]


I do agree with you about the Bowyers Bible.
That is what I started with.
I was just giving him another source with which
to get a good overview of medieval longbows.
The Bowyers bible puts a lot of emphasis on
flat bows and using lumber stock.
A good way to get practice, but not terribly
medieval.

-Graedwyn

Ulfkell-
Start with Hickory.
Not medieval, but for early
tries, it is hard to make a bad bow
out of hickory.
Even a poorly tillered bow of hickory
will never blow apart in your hands.

-Graedwyn

Several Years ago I attended the annual traditional archery rendevous at Denton Hill Ski resort and sat in on a bowmaking class.
The first thing the instructor said was "The best thing to do after making your first bow is to throw it in a fire and start the second."
His reasoning was that your first bow will immediately show you better ways to make the second.

Thank you all so much for the information......I've been tossing about this idea for quite some time. Now with winter on the doorstep, I'll be spending a lot more time in the woodshop.

I'll start looking for those books.

Again, thanks.

I also recommend the bowyers bible.

I also recommend "The Bent Stick".

You may want to make your first bow out of lumberyard wood, rather than investing in an expensive stave. Make your mistakes; and you WILL make mistakes, some of them unfixable, on a cheap piece of wood.

Home Depot and other "Big Box" stores sell 1"X2" maple and oak in 72" and longer lengths. they cost about $1 per foot. Go thru the whole rack to find the proper grained pieces
You can make a perfectly good bow with the cheap wood. Perhaps make a light bow for some kid, it is made just like your big bow.

Then invest in a good stave, and go to it.

You can also get floor tilled stave/kits from archery stores: 3Rivers Archery and Rudderbows Archery on the web are good places to start to get the feel of tillering and work your way to completing a stave of your own. also cover the back of your stave with something. Hickory is as tough as nails but even a canvas backing can protect you if the stave breaks and the "Bowyer's Bible" and "Bent Stick" recommend the practice of backing a bow.
I hope you enjoy making your own bow... It is great to see/feel a piece of wood come to life as a bow with your hands.
cheers,
galenow