How to Make Recurve & Long Bows With a Kit

Longbows date back to medieval times and are known for the simple curved shafts. Recurve bows take the longbow design one step further and add flared tips on the ends of the bow shaft, providing the archer with an increase in draw and release strength. Making either of these bows from a kit typically requires a three step process: Sand and either lacquer or fiberglass the shaft; wrap the shaft grip; and string the bow. Kits typically include all materials and supplies needed for the construction of the bow.

Things You'll Need

  • Shop rags or cloth
  • Bench vise
  • Stringer
  • Plastic bowls
  • Sponge brushes
  • Laminating C-clamps (optional)
  • Laminating shaft oven (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the shaft blank, making sure to wrap the edges of the shaft that make contact with the vise jaws in a cloth, into the bench vise so it is horizontal.

    • 2

      Sand down the shaft and smooth out any wood spurs or knots along the bow. Prep your lacquer, shellac or fiberglass in the plastic bowls. Apply the coating to the bow shaft and let it dry according to the kit specs. Fiberglass typically takes at least 24 hours to cure while lacquers and shellacs often take less time. Don't rush though; for the sake of safety and quality control, let all coatings dry or cure at least 24 hours.

    • 3

      Inspect the coating application and reapply any missed areas or sand down drips and uneven areas of application. Let it dry again and then remove the shaft from the vise.

    • 4

      Wrap the shaft grip in the center of the bow as indicated by the kit markings or instructions. Many wraps are leather strips, twine or hemp. Leather, twine and hemp all absorb moisture from the palms, giving you a friction reduced surface to aim and fire off.

    • 5

      String the bow. The shaft has two notches on the ends of the shaft. Use the stringing tool to bend the recurve bow-flares. Attach the stringing tool to both ends of the shaft and then slide the bow string onto the leather pouch of the stringing tool. Pull it up onto the nock points on the ends of the shaft and quickly remove the stringing tool, leaving the bow shaft under tension from the tightened string. Head out and enjoy your newly constructed bow.