Homemade Recurve Bows

Many archery hunters have had the desire to custom build a weapon of choice. Only a few undertake the process of building a homemade bow, but the end result is extremely rewarding. Homemade bows are superior in quality as they are designed completely from the owner's perspective and requirements. Be prepared for an incredible journey as you embark into the world of creating an archery weapon from scratch.

Things You'll Need

  • Saw
  • Draw knife
  • Bastard file
  • Mill file
  • Water
  • Sand paper
  • Fat
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select the wood. Several different types of wood can be used for making a recurve bow. For a long recurve bow, Tom Brown, Jr, an author and tracking instructor, recommends white ash. Look for a tree that is 2 1/4 to 3 1/4 inches in diameter, straight and free of blemishes and knots. The stave needs to be around 5 1/2 feet long. Tom recommends that saplings be cut down in February when the sap is down.

    • 2

      Season the wood. The wood needs to be seasoned for about three months in a wood shed, then another year indoors. Scrape the bark with a draw knife held at a 90-degree angle to the wood being careful not to cut into the wood itself.

    • 3

      Split the wood. A total of three splits are required to obtain four bow staves, splitting the wood once and then again for each new piece.

    • 4

      Thin and taper the bow. Using the bastard file, thin out the bow from the handhold out to the tips. Taper the bow from 1/2 inch at the tips up to 2 1/2 inches at the handhold. File the handhold in thickness and width to comfort. Wrap the handle in pre-made leather strips for a good firm and comfortable fit. Use the mill file for fine filing and touch ups on the bow.

    • 5

      Form the recurve. Take 9 inches of the end of the bow and submerse it in boiling water for three hours. Use a scrap piece of wood and cut out a curve pattern. Attach the curve pattern to the boiled end of the bow with clamps, starting from the tip and working down. Boil the other end of the bow in the same manner and repeat the clamp process.

    • 6

      Waterproof the bow. Using the sandpaper, sand down the remainder of the bow to smooth it out. Rub animal fat into the bow to waterproof. Place the bow near a heat source to allow the animal fat to penetrate deeper into the wood.

    • 7

      String the bow. String the bow with a leather strip or nylon twine and test. Do not leave the bow strung when not in use.