Archers can make their own wooden bows from hickory.
Archers who build their own bows often choose to work with hickory. Construction of a wooden long bow is a long and labor-intensive task. But not every piece of wood is suitable for construction of a bow. Selecting the right length of wood--one that is is one of the first and most critical steps in that process. Bowyers should take as much time as necessary to find the best piece of hickory available.
Instructions
1. Call local lumber dealers and find one with a wide selection of hickory lumber. More pieces of lumber means a higher probability of finding the perfect piece of hickory for your bow.
2. Narrow the selection to pieces of hickory large enough for the project. The bow blank--the piece of wood it's fashioned from--must be at least as tall as the archer who'll be using it. The board should be at least 3/4 inch thick and 2 inches or more wide.
3. Check the grain of the wood--it should be straight and parallel on either side of the board. The board should be free of any knots or defects.
4. Flex the board. The wood should form a perfect curve or arc. If the flexed board shows any sharp points or an uneven arc, it is not suitable for making a bow.
5. Check the moisture content of the wood with a moisture meter if you're buying a large amount of hickory or considering buying wood that someone cut himself, rather than from a lumber yard. Commercially available hickory is usually dried in a kiln, so there shouldn't be moisture problems, but it's easy to check for high humidity levels if you're buying a few pieces. It's possible to dry the wood out before you use it, but it's easier to avoid the problem by purchasing wood that you know is dry.
Related posts
Choose a Violin BowA violin bow is the tool used to vibrate the strings of a violin to create music. Made of different materials to suit most price ranges, each violin bow is unique. Learn choose...
Monogramming is an option for people interested in creating jewelry. A monogram is a symbol created out of at least two letters, for example an individual's initials. Monograms can be placed on a...
BasicsWood screws are a common type of fastening tool designed mainly for wood-to-wood use, but can be used for a variety of other purposes. These types of screws are used to strengthen joints in...
Quality woodworking mmeans drill ing threads for your screws.Making a thread for your screw, also referred to as drilling screw holes, is a practice of good woodworking. Making a thread for your s...
Choose a Beauty Pageant Evening GownThe evening gown portion of a beauty pageant epitomizes the qualities of a beauty queen: grace, poise and elegance. Choosing the appropriate gown for your body,...
