Make an Archery Bow: Feel the True Essence of Archery

Most sporting equipment is developed by manufacturers with the design made in keeping with the needs of the sport’s enthusiasts.  In most sports, the only requirement is for the athlete to learn and develop the skills necessary to be really good.  Archery is one activity wherein the sportsperson can actively hone his or her crafting ability.  Some of the most excellent archers know what they want from a bow and have a set standard for what they expect from the bow.  Making an archery bow is a special talent that necessitates knowing what you want from what you’re making.

So if you find yourself in the woods or in the wild because you feel the adventure pumping in your blood, you would need tools to help you survive.  Making an archery bow is a skill that can be very useful in situations like this.  There are a few things you should know first before you set off and make an archery bow.  Here are some guidelines:

 The basic necessity in making an archery bow is the wood. The wood of choice is yew.  This is because the young sapling is pliable enough to bend but strong enough not to stay in that curved position permanently.  Some other choices are mulberry, ash, osange orange, bamboo, lemon, and black locust.   For beginners, it is advisable to use maple because the grain of this wood is straight. (There was a time when the number of yew trees became so few because it was the best material for archery bows.)

 A good length is about one meter; although this may vary from archer to archer.  The wood should not have any twists, knots, or limbs. 

 To make an archery bow, one thing to take into consideration when looking for the perfect piece of wood is its curvature.  You would want a slightly curved wood that’s strong and supple at the same time. 

 The bow should be ideally shaped with the center part thicker than the both ends.  Most people prefer one inch thick centers and ¾ inch ends.  This would make the bow strong at the center (which is ideal for it not to break) and more flexible at the ends. 

 To shape the bow, you may use a knife or a similar tool.

 To string the bow, cut a half-moon shaped notch at both ends.  Ideal distance from each tip is about one to two inches.  Make sure that both notches are equal in depth to assure a more precise shot.

 The string.  The string can be any of the following materials:  hemp, nylon, rawhide, cotton, silk, or vines.  The string should not be so elastic that it would not go back to its original shape.  The ideal string should be strong enough to withstand the pull of tension. 

If you are not the adventurous type but would like to try your hand in making an archery bow, you can start off by checking out bow making kits that are available in your local sports shop or on the Internet.  These give you the materials ready to be put together or adjusted according to what you need.  But whether you buy a kit and make your bow at home or you’re in the woods making a vital tool for survival, you will know the pleasure that comes with making an archery bow.  Because when you’ve made your first bow, you will know the true essence of archery.   

Don't forget to check the online Archery Store for a wider range of tools and materials needed for making an archery bow.