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Crafting a Self Bow and Arrows from Raw Wood
Woody

Created by

Woody

19. March 2026NO
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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.
Advanced
2-3 days (multiple sessions)

Instructions

1

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)Hardwood stave (150-170cm)1 piece
Pine pitch gluePine pitch glue1 stick
2

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

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

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 cordageStrong cordage2 meters
5

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 shootsArrow shoots6 pieces
6

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)Hardwood stave (150-170cm)1 piece
Arrow shootsArrow shoots6 pieces
FeathersFeathers6 feathers
Pine pitch gluePine pitch glue1 stick

Tools needed:

FireFire

Materials

5

Tools Required

2

Required Equipment

Equipment this kind of build typically needs — buy from any maker below.

You can swap these in

Can't get one of the materials? Swap it for an equivalent — these work just as well.

Recommended for this build

Products makers often use with builds like this one.

Forge TongsFrequently used with this build's materials
Forge Hammer (Cross-Peen)Frequently used with this build's materials
CharcoalFrequently used with this build's materials
Flint KnifeFrequently used with this build's materials
WaterFrequently used with this build's materials
Silicon Carbide GritFrequently used with this build's materials
Hardwood SaplingFrequently used with this build's materials
Sandstone (Abrasive)Frequently used with this build's materials

Related blueprints

Other builds that share materials, tools, or techniques with this one.

Starting a Fire with a Bow Drillcraft/woodworking

CC0 Public Domain

This blueprint is released under CC0. You are free to copy, modify, distribute, and use this work for any purpose, without asking permission.

Support the Maker by purchasing products through their Blueprint where they earn a Maker Commission set by Vendors, or create a new iteration of this Blueprint and include it as a connection in your own Blueprint to share revenue.

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