How to make a bow and arrow

Description of a bow

For those of you who don't know, a bow is a man made flexible arc that fires aerodynamic projectiles, such as arrows, quarrels and sometimes stones. They are propelled by elastic energy.

The bow, being a form of spring is powered by a cord or string. When the string is drawn back by the user, energy is stored in the flexible part of the bow called the limbs. The energy is then forced to the arrow when the user releases the string.

Bows are still used today as weapons of war, but are more commonly used for hunting and for sport, known as archery.

What you need to gather to make your bow and arrows

Picking a stave

First you must choose a stave from which to make your bow. The ideal stave should be chosen form a yew tree or you can use an alternative from hickory, oak, white elm, juniper, cedar, hemlock, birch, ironwood, and willow.

Select your stave slightly longer than the length of finished bow; you can cut to size later.

Stave must be straight or slightly curved with 5cm (2in) wide at centre. Common mistakes people make is to select a stave that has a large bend, the bend will be made naturally under tension. Once you become better at crafting, then you can make more curved and arched bows.

A well seasoned wood is best for the bow. I advise putting some unseasoned wood aside to season. You can still use the wood that is unseasoned, but usually the tension will be short lived.

Stave length

To determine the correct length that's right for you:

1: First you must hold one end of your selected stave at the hip with right hand.


2: Slide your left hand along the stave and away from your right hand


3: Then mark the extent of your reach as the length of your bow

Shaping the bow

Now you have the correct length of your stave. It's important that your stave is 5cm (2in) wide at centre.

Fitting the Bowstring

1: Get some strong sting or twine or you can even cut rawhide to 3mm (1/8in) wide or use twisted fibres from nettle stems to make bowstring.


2: Secure the string to your bow with a round turn and 2 half hitches at each end.


3: Place the tied end on the floor against your foot, then place your other foot between the bowstring and bow and slightly bend your bow against your leg and tie the other end of the bowstring.


4: String should only be under slight tension, you will get the main tension when you pull it back to shoot.

Making arrows

Arrow flights

It's important to add a flight to your arrow. Adding flights will improve accuracy and add a lot more distance to your arrow in flight. Here is how to use the more traditionally used feathers.

1: Gather some feathers. In the forests you will be surprised of how many you will find. Pigeon feathers are great and quite common.


2: Split feathers in half from the top, down centre of the quill.


3: Leave about 20mm (¾ in) of quill at each end to tie to the arrow. You can pick some of the feather form the quill at the end, so you have enough to tie on to.


4: Tie the flights, equally spaced around the shaft using cotton, string or fishing line.
Tie the flights, equally spaced around the shaft using cotton, string or fishing line.

Arrow heads

There are a variety of arrow heads you can make, using tin, flint or even bone.

Arrow burns

Please bare this in mind before using your bow and arrow for the first time. When you release an arrow, the arrow flights may rub against your hand, fingers and cheek causing friction burns.

Protect your cheek with a piece of cloth pulled tight to the face. You can use a scarf or a polar neck pulled up to the cheek.

Wear a glove or a leather mitten or even fit a leather guard between fingers and wrist to protect your hand. Only hold your arrow lightly, or just hold in place before releasing arrow. Once you are steady enough, you will hardly have to hold your arrow in place with your bow arm.

Archery technique

Now you have made your bow and arrows, all you have left to do is use it. But how do you use a bow and arrow?

1: Hold the centre of your bow with one hand. This is your bow arm.


2: Insert the arrow into the bowstring, using the notch at the back of your arrow. And hold in place using your index and middle fingers against the bowstring.


3: Rest the arrow shaft on grove between your thumb and finger. You can also rest your index finger over the top of your arrow, so that the arrow is between your index finder and your middle finger. But do not hold too tightly. This method is better for beginners, until you get used to the feel of the bow.


4: Raise the centre of your bow to eye level, but holding the bow just below arrow, and extend your bow arm out and forwards.


5: Keeping your bow arm locked, draw the bowstring back slowly and smoothly across the front of your body.


6: Keeping the arrow at eye level, sight along the arrow and line up with your target.


7: Release string.

Storage

Store your bow and arrows in a dry place, away from damp or water.

Remember to untie one end of your bowstring if your bow is made from unseasoned wood, this way your bow will have more tension for longer.

Summery

Now you know what it takes to craft your own bow and arrow. You can do it yourself or with your family or children. But it does take some care and hard work. It's a great activity, not just using your bow, but crafting your bow too. You will feel proud that you have crafted your own bow. Children can also gain a lot from the crafting process, such as care, discipline and dedication.

Archery can be a lot of fun; you can compete with your friends and family, or just use it to master a skill that the ancients would be proud of. It does require some patience, skill and discipline to master this skill. Also please be aware this instrument can be dangerous, so don't leave them in the hands of unsupervised children.