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5K views 13 replies 9 participants last post by  Jim Jakosh 
#1 ·
Long bow build - MaFe Hood is back in the forest…

Long bow build
MaFe Hood is back in the forest…

Ok, I don't even think I would hit a sitting elephant, but at least I can put a long bow, on my list of things I build in this life. ;-)

Since I was a boy, I always wanted to build my own bow, not just a bow, but a long bow like Robin Hood. Remember dreaming I was Robin Hood, that I was shooting arrows, flying through the room and of course kissing Lady Marian.
Wake up MaFe!!!

Last year when I turned 50, I put a bow building class on my wish list and on the big day, my father came with a arrow and a gift card on a long bow class, one class was cancelled and time went on, but finally it happened.


So I packed some tools, coffe, water and headed of to the place, whish is only an hours drive away, from where I life.


At arrival, there were a introduction, to the day, we were three who were going to build bows and then they were a whole bunch, who were taking the blacksmithing class, I took some time back.


Here some of the tools our host Jonas had made.


But for me the day were, making a long bow, so I saddled the shaving horse, packed up with tools, beer, tobacco and started rough shaping the bow.


Here dear Line our teacher (wife of Jonas the blacksmith), is keeping a strict eye at the two other guys at the class.


But she was not the only one, keeping an eye, this fellow was also checking me out, once in a while.


The roughing was done with draw knifes.


Here one of the guys, who really needed a shave…


After some hours of working, it was wonderful to come inside and have pulled pork, in the company of all the other people.


One of Jonas' display models, of how to forge a knife.


Once I had the rough shape, I continued with a sharp spokeshave, to make sure there would be no damage to the wood and finally I cut nocks (where you attach the string).
Then the bow was mounted in the tiller (the stick under it), to slowly tension it and see where, you need to take off more wood, aiming for a perfect symmetrical curve.


At this point my bow was still much to stiff.
So back on the horse.


This is how a happy bow monkey looks.
Also how you tension the string on the tiller.


Line was a wonderful teacher, teaching as little as possible and letting us look at other bows for inspiration.
Here she is discussing the curve on one of the other guys bow.
You can see that mine behind, is starting to look more right.
The one leg is still too stiff and the need to be taken more off at the ends and towards the center, before you have a fine curce.


This is Jonas, he was just checking out from time to time, he build loads of these bows.


Finding the spots.


Finally after a long day, I had a bow, as you can see on the picture, I was happy, tired and proud.


But I had to see if I could hit that elephant…


Back home, I brought my love and the kids, flowers and shavings.


Some of the flowers for tea, with lemon on honey.


Back in the shop next day, it was time to finish up the bow.
There had only been time to rough out a handle and the surface was still quite rough, especially on the back.
So first I cleaned up the back, with Japanese plane and scraper plane.


With card scrapers the handle got it's final shape and finish.


I am happy with the surface, no sandpaper, just scrapers.
(I'm a big fan of scraper finish).


Danish oil as finish.


I also made a tiller, so I could keep working on the curve, as I made the finish. Also I plan to build a few more bows…


I think my branding mark looks fine here on the ash. ;-)


The bow in the tiller, first it need to be stringed.
You do that by standing with broad feet and then put the bow behind you, so the handle touch your ass, one end stands on your foot and then you tension it with the other hand and put on the string, like this you don't put too much pressure on one side.


And under tension.
I'll say it looks quite fine
Once I get time to shoot it in, I will see how it is under full tension and if the curve needs more work.

To break it in, you need to shoot 25 arrows a day, for five days, you start by half tension on day one and work your way up.
(I don't have time or place for that now).

That's it, I finally got to make a long bow, an old dream has come through.
Thank you to Line for being an excellent instructor and to my father for the gift.

Hope it can be to some inspiration, but please don't shoot elephants.

Best thoughts,

MaFe
 
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#8 ·
Hi guys,
Ty, yes that was a wonderful day, hope you can make it, if we manage to make a part two. Look forward to show you the bow.
Jim, thank you, happy you enjoyed the story.
pottz, big smile thank you.
lew, big smile here, it was such a fine day, this must be what you read. ;-)
Dave, laughs thanks.
Don, it is really worth the time. Loved every second. Thanks.
Best thoughts,
Mads
 
#9 ·
Bow tiller - for long bow building

Bow tiller
for long bow building.

Here a quick post on the bow tiller,


Ran a piece of trash wood, from some packing, through the lunch box planner.
Then a series of repetitive cuts, on the table saw, to make a hold for the bow handle, to rest in.
(I should have taken out my jig, as this was a wee wobbly and not safe…).
Also you can see I have to change my planner blades, they have some nicks / chips in them now, grrrrrrr, must have run through some stone or metal…


Nothing a hand plane cand remove in a pass or two.


On one side, I mark out steps of 3 cm, I make the first one quite close to the hold, so I can apply almost no tension at first.


Repeat until 70cm, this is my draw length, from hand to front of my face, this is the max the bow will be bend.


Like this.


Then three cuts after eachother.


All the way down.


To protect the sting, the cuts are made smooth and all sharp edges are removed.


Like so.


That should be gentle for the string.


Finally I add some leather at the base, so the handle will not be scratched.


And we got a tiller.
That's easy!, yes?


Smiles.


Now the bow can be mounted in the tiller.


String runs smooth.


Made some loose leather pieces, to support the sides also.


Like this I can shim it up, for any size.


Now it's just to work on the bow.

Hmmmm, perhaps I should make a foot for it, so it can stand on the floor… Like a christmas tree foot… Ahhh stop MaFe!

Hope it can be to some inspiration, smiles to all of you.

Best thoughts,

MaFe
 
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