How to Make a Bow Out of a Ponderosa Pine

Ponderosa pine is a clear wood with an even grain that is resistant to water. These traits make it useful for creating high quality bows. Its natural flexibility and strength leads many who build their own bows to create longbows from ponderosa pine. Making one of these bows in the comfort of your own home is possible if you have the right materials.

Things You'll Need

  • Ponderosa pine sapling approximately 6 feet long
  • Sharp knife
  • Sandpaper
  • Varnish (optional)
  • Nylon bow string
  • Wood glue
  • Leather strap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find a ponderosa pine sapling that is approximately 6 feet long. You want the finished bow to be your own height, so you may have to find a longer or shorter sapling to accomodate your height. Look for clear wood lacking significant knots and cracks.

    • 2

      Strip the bark from the wood, using your hands when possible. A sharp knife may be used where necessary, but be careful not to damage the wood itself. Let the sapling dry for at least 24 hours before attempting to fashion the bow.

    • 3

      Use your knife to gently shape the sapling. It should taper very gently toward the either end. In the center, where the grip will eventually be, you should be able to grasp the sapling firmly in your fist much as you would when firing an arrow. You may have to whittle your sapling down to size if it's too thick. Do this using the knife.

    • 4

      Sand the sapling smooth using your sandpaper. Ponderosa pine is a softer wood, so don't sand too much. Only sand the sapling enough to prevent slivers and round the sapling slightly.

    • 5

      Varnish your sapling with the varnish of your choice. This is an optional step, but it does give the bow a smoother look and helps to prevent future slivers. Since each varnish is different, the number of coats you apply and how long these coats must dry should be determined by consulting the manufacturer's directions.

    • 6

      Use your knife to cut a small slit in either end of the sapling. Center these slits on the ends of the sapling. They should be approximately one inch deep, though they may be as deep as two inches.

    • 7

      Thread the nylon bow string through the slit on one end of the sapling. Secure the bow string by tying is securely. Tie the other end to the second slit. You'll need to tighten the bow string so that the sapling bends slightly. Cut your bow string to fit if necessary. Experiment with different lengths until you achieve something comfortable for you to use. You should be able to draw the bow by applying force, but the tension shouldn't be so high that you cannot make a full draw. It may take some time to find the perfect tension.

    • 8

      Wind the leather strap around the center of the sapling where the grip will be and cut to size using the knife. Remove the strap and apply wood glue to the spot where you will secure the strap. Replace the strap and allow the glue to dry according to the manufacturer's directions. After the glue has dried, you are free to use the bow.