Recurve bows (modern bows) have the ability to shoot arrows that are farther and more powerful than traditional bows. While it takes years of skill and practice to produce the perfect recurve bow, the following steps will get you started.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Preparing the Bow
Step 1. Purchase or manufacture a log section
It is from this rod that your bow will be formed. The length should match the length of the bow you want, and it should be made of wood that is strong, flexible, and easy to shape by hitting or pressing.
Hickory, yew, lemonwood, and maple are suitable for making bows
Step 2. Prepare your tools
A small axe, vice grips, a bow-forming frame, a tillering stick, a large file, a heat gun, a few screw clamps, and a draw knife will makes the process much easier than just using a knife and a large, round object.
Step 3. Draw a line
Draw a line for the two limbs and the arrow rest with the pen. Straighten the log with one hand and swing your ax with the other. Make both sides of the stem as smooth as possible.
You can decide for yourself the most suitable specification for its use (flat wing, wide limb or narrow limb). Mark the position of your handrails
Step 4. Try your bow rod
Make sure the stem is bent by stepping on the bottom end with the center of your foot, grabbing the top end with one hand, and pulling the back end (the side of the bow that isn't facing you when you shoot) toward you. Don't overdo it as it can damage your bowstring.
Step 5. Create the wings of the bow
After you've formed your bow with the axe, you're now creating the wings. Place the gripping part of your bow rod in the locking pliers, and tighten. Make sure the back of the bow is facing up. Take a paring knife, and scrape along the stem in long swings. Do this until you get to the thickness of the arc you want.
- Smooth all the rough parts on the stem.
- If it's made too thin, your bow will break.
Method 2 of 3: Forming the Bow
Step 1. Place the bow rod in the arc forming frame
Depending on the position of the arch you want your bow to be in, you'll need to move your bow on several different segments of the frame.
- On each wing, the recurve bow must have one arc away from the handle and one arc closer to the handle.
- Use screw clamps to secure the rods securely to the frame.
- If you run into trouble, use a heat gun to heat the rod, and then lock the part firmly against the frame.
Step 2. Make the right size
Both wings should be as bent as possible. To ensure this, make sure you bend the rod an equal distance from both ends of the handle.
Step 3. Let each curve rest for a while so that the result is solid
Leave each locked piece in the frame for at least a few hours, or ideally overnight. This will give the wood enough time to solidify in its new position, making the bow more durable and effective.
Method 3 of 3: Attaching the Bowstring
Step 1. File the notches for the bowstring
Make notches at the top and bottom of the bow wings. This is the place to tie the bowstring. It's best to make it with a large cylindrical file, but you can also use a knife and a small flat file.
File the notches on the inside of the bow to protect the integrity of the outside of the wood
Step 2. Draw your bow
It is from this activity that your bow can be pulled back when shooting. Once you've shaped the bow to your liking, tie a drawstring to the bow. The drawstring is twice as long as the bowstring. Make a knot at each end of the string and tie it at the notch of the two bow wings.
The parachute rope can also be used as a tow rope
Step 3. Place the bow on the tow stick
Pull the drawstring on one of the notches close to the top of the wand. Slowly and gradually, draw the bow farther and farther, noticing how it bends.
- Attracting takes a long time, and the process is very gradual (cannot be completed immediately / all at once).
- If you hear certain sounds coming from the bow, stop and use a large file to file the wings slightly.
- This pulling process takes months, and doing it slowly will result in the bow being pulled back perfectly.
- Once the drawing process begins, you can smooth the front of the bow using a large file.
Step 4. Attach the bowstring
Once the bow has reached a good point of traction, remove it from the wand and remove the drawstring. Attach the arrow string. Tie the two ends of the rope around the notch.
- Nylon is a very popular dart string material.
- A bow can be strapped and used for archery while the draw is still in progress, but it may not be at its maximum power state yet, and using it for archery could hinder the success of the draw.
Step 5. Finish creating the bow
Once the drawing is complete, you can add decorative ornaments, leather, or sheathing to your bow.
Tips
Don't worry if your first try doesn't turn out so well. It takes years of practice for one to consistently make the perfect bow
Warning
- Do not shoot arrows in densely populated areas.
- Don't shoot arrows at living things just to shoot them/kill them. Use your bow only if you are hunting for animals that you need to consume fairly and responsibly.
- Use store-bought arrows. The arrows you make yourself can miss the target and accidentally hit other objects.
