How to Make a Maple Bow

Bows are weapons which can be made out of many woods including bamboo, hickory and elm. Maple, however, is one of the best woods to use if you're hoping to make a bow that is lightweight and easy to use. Making your own maple bow takes patience, time and the right supplies.

Things You'll Need

  • Maple stave or sapling at least 6 feet long
  • Sharp knife for carving wood
  • Sandpaper
  • Varnish (optional)
  • Nylon bow string
  • Wood glue
  • Leather strap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look for a maple stave or sapling that is approximately six feet long and no more than two inches wide. It should be straight with no branches or knots and have some flexibility so that it will not snap as you draw your bow. Peel the bark off the stave or sapling and allow it to air out for 24 to 36 hours.

    • 2

      Use your knife to trim down your stave or sapling, if necessary. You'll want to ensure that it is thin enough to wrap your hand around with ease. You should also whittle the ends of the stave so that it tapers slightly.

    • 3

      Sand the stave or sapling smooth to prevent slivers when the bow is in use.

    • 4

      If you wish your bow to have a smooth and shiny appearance, give it a coat of varnish. Follow the manufacturer's directions to determine how many coats to apply and how long you must let the bow dry. In general, you'll need to let the final coat of varnish dry for 24 hours, but this may vary according to the type of varnish you're using.

    • 5

      Using the knife, carve one notch into each end of the bow. These notches should be centered on the end of the stave and approximately one inch deep.

    • 6

      Tie the bow string to one of the notches. Make sure it is secure and can withstand both weight and pressure. Bend the bow just a little and tie the other end of the bow string to the second notch. You may have to cut the bow string to fit. Try a few different lengths until you find one that bends the bow slightly and still allows you to draw the bow back enough to fire an arrow. This may take some experimentation.

    • 7

      Apply some wood glue to the center of the maple stave. Wrap the leather strap around the stave to form a grip. Allow the glue to dry completely before using the boy. Drying time can be determined by reading the manufacturer's directions for the glue you have purchased. When dry, the bow is ready to use.