Who makes their own traditional archery equipment?

[Ironwood]

How do you get them so straight? 

[Linc]

You warm them over a fire and they become soft as butter. Sight down the shaft and bend straight where needed. Work one node or section at a time. They don't need to be perfectly straight but get them close as you can. As long as they spin true they will fly good.

[Ironwood]

Thanks Linc I'll have to try that.

[CandleSnuffer]

I make all my own bows, arrows, and strings.  Even make them for other folks as well.  I keep a #44 @ 28 x 72"
flemish stringed longbow, w/ self nocked arrows (though they carry field points) for when I do Rendezvous.  I've
notice here of late that many at the Rondy's are using backed bows, and arrow with plastic nocks, but we don't mind
that.  Folks are getting involved in shooting their stickbows, and that's a good thing.  Those of us using self nock
arrows have not seen any advantage for the ones using plastic nocks.

Making and shooting selfbows is an absolute joy!    

[Linc]

Candlesnuffer, Most of my arrows have the plastic nocks. They are just quicker and easier to put on the arrows. If you break one or it pops off ya jest put on another one. I agree that it is good to see people out and about shooting stickbows.Whether selfbows,composite,glass or customs it makes little difference just as long as they are shooting and enjoying this sport of ours.

[elroy42]

I'd forgotten all about that little Pony Bow. The hardest think to do with that bow (besides shoot it) is stringing it. It's like trying to make a 36" 2 x 4 bend and stringing it.  couch

[Linc]

Bodark is great for making bows. Majority of the bows I have made have been osage (bodark).

Lee,LOL. Why do you think I named that bow "Pucker Power" It's hard to string,it's hard to draw and you wait to see if it will blow.LOL couch at 68#@22" something has to pucker.   

[R.M.]

Linc, you must have arms like Popeye. 

[Linc]

Not me. I had all I could do to draw it to 20". That puckered me out. But it sure was an experience making that bow.

[elroy42]

I have that bow down to a science! I string it, shoot 2 arrows, look for damage. (on both me and the target) Unstring it, put it away. Take 3 or 4 advil apply heat to all affected areas.  Then take a nap wake up and wonder why anyone would try to shoot a bow like that any way .

Then a year later do it all over again!!!!!!!!!!!

It is amazing that a bow 36" long 7/8" tapering to 1/2" nocks draws 68# at 22" and is still in one piece after all this time. I'll post pictures later of both bows that Linc has made and given to me.

[Linc]

Lee, Sinew and silk are magic. If it wasn't for them that pony bow would never have made it off the tillering tree. The soul purpose of those bows was to shoot bison at close range from horse back. Even with a short power stroke I think that bow has plenty nuff umph to almost get a pass thru. As long as the arrow doesn't hit bone. I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end.