agreenchicken
Ten Pointer
So I have always wanted to build a bow for myself I have just put it off for a long time. So this winter I found a nice straight hickory tree and cut it down and began my self bow build.
Once I had the tree down I began splitting staves of of it with a sledge hammer and axe. I was able to split it into 4 staves and put them up to dry. To say it was painful to wait was an under statement. Like a kid a waiting on Christmas morning I couldn't stand it anymore and started one about a 3 weeks after cutting the tree down.... Mistake. I worked so hard getting the bow down to shape and it was looking great but after a bit it warped like crazy. I knew better but I did learn a lot on the first one so I could apply that to the second bow.
So after 3 months I started on the second one. Using a draw knife, hatchet, rasp and sand paper I was able to produce a bow. Would love to know how many hours I have in the bow but today I was able to see and feel the fruits of my labor. I put the string on her today and shot arrows through what was once a tree. The feeling that came over me was one that can't be explained.(I know that sounds crazy) I still have a little bit of work to do on her but overall she will shoot an arrow. A bit of a heavy draw so I plan to shave some more out of the limbs and cut in a arrow shelf. I also am waiting to do the natural bees wax stain for when I get her just right!
So excited to share and hope to take a deer with this bow this year.
Here are some pics from start to where I am now!
Once I had the tree down I began splitting staves of of it with a sledge hammer and axe. I was able to split it into 4 staves and put them up to dry. To say it was painful to wait was an under statement. Like a kid a waiting on Christmas morning I couldn't stand it anymore and started one about a 3 weeks after cutting the tree down.... Mistake. I worked so hard getting the bow down to shape and it was looking great but after a bit it warped like crazy. I knew better but I did learn a lot on the first one so I could apply that to the second bow.
So after 3 months I started on the second one. Using a draw knife, hatchet, rasp and sand paper I was able to produce a bow. Would love to know how many hours I have in the bow but today I was able to see and feel the fruits of my labor. I put the string on her today and shot arrows through what was once a tree. The feeling that came over me was one that can't be explained.(I know that sounds crazy) I still have a little bit of work to do on her but overall she will shoot an arrow. A bit of a heavy draw so I plan to shave some more out of the limbs and cut in a arrow shelf. I also am waiting to do the natural bees wax stain for when I get her just right!
So excited to share and hope to take a deer with this bow this year.
Here are some pics from start to where I am now!