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Crafting a Self Bow and Arrows from Raw Wood
Build a self bow and matched arrows from raw wood. A properly tillered bow launches arrows effectively at 15-25 meters. Links to cordage and flint knapping blueprints.
Abantado
2-3 days (multiple sessions)
Instructions
1
1
Select Stave
Select Stave
Straight hardwood: yew, ash, elm, or hickory. 150-170cm (ground to chin). Must be dry. The back (target side) = one continuous growth ring, never cut across grain. Avoid: pine, spruce (too soft).
Materials for this step:
Hardwood stave (150-170cm)1 piece
Pine pitch glue1 stick2
2
Shape & Nock
Shape & Nock
Mark 10cm handle at center. Taper limbs from handle to tips. D-shaped cross-section: flat back, rounded belly. Cut shallow string nocks at each tip.
Design
Cross-section diagram of bow stave showing flat back, rounded belly, taper profile
3
3
Tiller
Tiller
String loosely, pull a few cm. Both limbs must bend evenly. Shave belly where stiff — tiny amounts only. Gradually increase draw. Target: 15-25kg draw weight.
4
4
Bowstring
Bowstring
Reverse-wrap cord from strong plant fibers (see cordage blueprint). Wax with beeswax. 15cm shorter than bow for proper tension.
Materials for this step:
Strong cordage2 meters5
5
Arrow Shafts
Arrow Shafts
Straight shoots (dogwood, willow), 70-80cm, 8-10mm diameter. Peel, dry, straighten over coals. Cut nock at one end.
Materials for this step:
Arrow shoots6 pieces6
6
Fletch & Point
Fletch & Point
3 split feathers per arrow, 10-12cm long, bound with sinew and pine pitch. Points: knapped flint, hardwood, or fire-hardened tips. Balance point 10-15% forward of center.
Materials for this step:
Hardwood stave (150-170cm)1 pieceArrow shoots6 pieces
Feathers6 feathersPine pitch glue1 stickTools needed:
FireMaterials
5- 1 piecePlaceholder
- 6 piecePlaceholder
- 2 meterPlaceholder
- 1 stickPlaceholder
Tools Required
2- Placeholder
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