How to Make a Composite Mongol-Style Bow

Composite bows are constructed with more than one material. In the case of Mongolian composite bows, wood and horn are typically used to create a bow easier to fire than traditional longbows. With some basic supplies, you can make your own Mongol-style composite bow.

Things You'll Need

  • Long strip of horn, 4 inches wide and at least 4 feet long
  • Electric saw
  • File
  • Metal strips
  • Clamps
  • Large piece of maple, 2 inches wide and 1/4-inch thick
  • Sandpaper
  • Wood glue
  • Small pieces of pine
  • Leather
  • Nylon bow string
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the 4-inch wide strip of horn, using an electric saw, lengthwise into two pieces, each 2 inches wide. File each piece until it is 1/4-inch thick.

    • 2

      Place the strips of horn at the edge of a bench or table and cover them with the metal strips. You may need several metal strips to cover the horn completely. Clamp the metal strips and the horn in place, tightening the clamps until the horn is as flat as you can get it without damaging the horn. Leave the horn clamped for five to seven hours. At this point, you should be able to tighten the clamps and straighten the horn further. Repeat this process until the horn lies as flat as you can manage.

    • 3

      Remove the clamps and trim the horn pieces until they are both 4 feet in length. File the horn further until it does not exceed 1/8 inch thick. File down any rough areas.

    • 4

      Cut the maple with the electric saw so that it is 1 inch shorter than the horn strips. Sand the maple smooth.

    • 5

      Place one strip of horn flat on a firm surface in front of you. Coat with glue and place the maple on top of the horn. Make sure the maple is centered, vertically and horizontally, on the strip of horn. Apply slight pressure to the maple.

    • 6

      Coat the maple with glue and top with the second horn piece. Make sure everything is lined up and clamp the horn and wood together. Allow the glue to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

    • 7

      Cut two pieces of pine. These should fit exactly on either end of the maple between the strips of horn. Measure carefully and be ready to use the file to adjust the fit if necessary. These are the ears of the bow. Glue the ears into place and allow to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

    • 8

      Carve two slits, one into each ear of the bow. These slits will be the nocks of the bow and hold the bow string in place. The nocks should be 1/2 inch deep.

    • 9

      File slightly around the edges of the bow. Give the bow a light sanding, paying particular attention to the maple parts to avoid splinters while using your composite bow.

    • 10

      Handle the bow to determine where you want the grip to be. Cover this area with a thin coat of glue and wrap the grip in leather. Trim the leather to size if necessary. Allow the glue to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

    • 11

      String your bow. Tie one end of the nylon bow string to one nock. Stretch the bow string to the second nock and pull taunt until the bow curves slightly. You may have to experiment with the tension of the bow before you are satisfied. When you are satisfied with the tension, secure the bow string to the second nock. Your Mongol-style composite bow is now ready for use.