How to Shape a Longbow Riser

Bow risers are most common in composite and recurve bows. Longbows can have them as well, although many longbows are constructed without a riser. For longbows that have a riser, the riser serves as the handle of the bow, grip and an arrow rest most of the time. The exact function of the bow riser differs slightly depending on the specific design. Fortunately, you can design and shape your own longbow riser with very few materials and basic woodworking skills.

Things You'll Need

  • Bow riser from an old bow
  • Pencil
  • Paper
  • Several 1/4-inch thick wood planks, 22 inches by 4 inches
  • Wood glue
  • Clamps
  • Thickness planer
  • Band saw
  • File
  • Rasp
  • Sandpaper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the bow riser on a piece of paper, and trace its outline with a pencil. Study the design on the riser, and make any alterations that you feel are necessary for your own comfort. Handle the bow to understand how the grip is formed, and alter the design to better suit your hand. Watch the arrow rest when altering the design of the bow riser, as you want the arrow rest to remain straight and true. This is best accomplished by leaving the arrow rest intact.

    • 2

      Place one wooden plank on a firm and flat surface, such as the top of a worktable. Apply wood glue to the top of the plank, and then put another plank on top. Apply firm pressure to the planks. Continue to do this until you have a stack of planks approximately six inches high.

    • 3

      Clamp the stack of planks, and allow the glue to dry according to the manufacturer's directions. This usually takes three to four hours. Remove the clamps when you are certain the glue is dry. Wiggle and pull at the stack of planks. If they move even a little, leave them to dry a little. If there is no movement, you can safely assume the glue is dry.

    • 4

      Pass your newly-created block of wood through the thickness planer on both sides to level the wood. Transfer the riser design from the paper to the block of wood.

    • 5

      Use the band saw to cut out the riser. Cut just outside the pencil line. Draw the profile of the riser on the side that will face you as you fire an arrow from the bow. Consult the existing bow riser when designing your own. You can get as creative as you like as long as your riser has an arrow rest and a grip.

    • 6

      Use the file and rasp to shape your riser. Take only small amounts of wood off the riser at a time to avoid shaving off too much. Compare your riser to the existing bow riser for greater accuracy.

    • 7

      Sand the bow riser to prevent slivers. You should do this even if you intend to varnish the riser at a later date. Once your riser is shaped and smoothed, you can attach it to your longbow.