How to Create Your Own Archer

Build your own archery gear using items that you may already own. Start by using long tree twigs or branches from your yard and construct a customized starter bow and arrow according to your preferences. Archery is the practice of propelling arrows using a bow for shooting targets. The activity increases your hand-to-eye coordination, focus and balance. Start with a basic and simple long bow; as you become more skilled and knowledgeable in the sport, you can build stronger and more precised bow and arrows.

Things You'll Need

  • Wooden stick
  • 10-inch wood stick
  • Small axe
  • Knife
  • Tape measure
  • Rasp
  • Pencil
  • Wood glue
  • Nylon twine
  • Wood dowels
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a long piece of straight, flexible wood with no knots. Pick a stick with a 1-inch diameter and a length close to your height or up to your forehead. Cut a tree branch from the yard or purchase one from home improvement stores. Maple, red oak, yew, lemonwood, elm and ash are ideal.

    • 2

      Use a pencil and a tape measure to mark the center of the wood. Mark a straight line from one tip to the other.

    • 3

      Shave the ends of the wood using the rasp. Start one inch from the tip and shave from the middle toward the tips. The ends need to be rounded to approximately 1 inch.

    • 4

      Attach the 10-inch piece of wood to the center of the bow by applying wood glue. Use clamps to hold it on the center and allow the glue to dry completely. Wipe off excess.

    • 5

      Mark all corners of the bow, including the 10-inch piece of wood on the middle using the rasp. Use sandpaper to smooth it throughout.

    • 6

      Use the knife to cut V-shaped notches at each bow end at a 45 degree angle. Make the notches as deep as about halfway into the wood and half an inch from each end. Place the notches on the opposite side of natural curve of the bow.

    • 7

      Cut the nylon twine at a length of about 3/4 of the bow. Tie loops at each end of the string to fit around the notches. Place your foot on the inside of the bow for leverage and then bend the bow as you put the the loops around the notches on both ends.

    • 8

      Use wood dowels that are 25-inch in length and 1/2-inch in diameter as arrows.