Broken a Bow? Failed as a Bowyer? Never Give Up

Рет қаралды 7,752

6 жыл бұрын

Broken a Bow? Failed at Bow Making? Watch This and Never Give Up. Although small this channel and its subscribers generates lots of comments and messages. Perhaps the saddest are messages I receive here and privately telling me of someone's attempts to make a bow that ended in what they consider failure. Maybe a smashed bow or a bad tiller - or one of many other obstacles to success that we learners encounter. One way or another, they feel a failure. But giving up is not the answer. Never give up. The best and most motivational words I was given when in business were these: keep going. So let's talk about that shall we?
USA Merch teespring.com/stores/lone-arc...
UK Merch teespring.com/stores/lone-arc...
I'm Mick Grewcock, retired from business and now self-learning the arts of longbow- and film-making. Join me in my light-hearted quest for knowledge as I learn to combine the ancient craft of bow-making with digital videography and film making - I'd be delighted to have you for company on this bizarre journey combining digital and primitive technology.
I have a deep passion for the medieval English longbow, the great warbow - the powerful version of the English longbow that earned its fearsome reputation during the Middle Ages, notably the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries on the ferocious battle fields of France and England during the One Hundred Years War (and in the hands of Robin Hood too!). It is an iconic weapon - and to this day, exudes heritage and awesome power.
Lots of bow making on my channel - do browse, view, like comment and subscribe. I have videos on making yew, hazel, elm and blackthorn longbows as well as many others related to primitive and instinctive archery, target archery arrow and bow making. In my videos you will see and hear what it is like to self learn bow making. I am self-taught as a bowyer - learning the hard way how to make a bow - and still discovering every day. Sometimes I fail, sometimes I succeed; but I'm always learning. I also explore the UK's rural landscape, sometimes in search of bow making woods, discovering survival skills, sometimes in search of the glories of this landscape.
Check out my other social media too!
Blog: mickgrewcock.blog
KZfaq channel subscribe here: / @mickgrewcock
Twitter here: / amgredfoxwood
Facebook here: / redfoxwood
Instagram here: / mickgrewcock
Please be aware that product links will take you to Amazon and if you make a purchase I may get a small commission. Thank you for understanding.
Useful book for aspiring bowyers amzn.to/2JnZoDQ
Some basic bow-building tools:
Wolverine pocket folding saw amzn.to/2t4w3TW
Bear Grylls Machette
Inexpensive hand axe
Bahco wood rasp
Block plane amzn.to/2JxYGnM
Spoke shave amzn.to/2sU82zN
Draw Knife
Cabinet scrapers amzn.to/2y5HMYp
Dial calliper amzn.to/2t4lZdw
200lb hanging scale amzn.to/2l3pMV8
Boiled linsed oil
Tung oil amzn.to/2JRliPy
Majority of my filming is done with Panasonic GH4 & GH5 4K cameras. I edit using iMovie and Final Cut Pro and use a MacBook Pro and iMac 27".
My Film Making Gear:
Panasonic GH5 amzn.to/2sWy0lt
Panasonic GH4 amzn.to/2sWAdNQ
25mm f1.7 Lumix amzn.to/2l46A9G
14mm-140mm f3.5-f5.6 amzn.to/2HIS5kv
100mm-400mm f4.0-f6.3 amzn.to/2JJarah
Canon G7X amzn.to/2l85wlc
Zhiyun Crane Plus amzn.to/2JPDdGb
Rode VideoMic Pro amzn.to/2t02xih
Rode Smartlav+ amzn.to/2HHFkqc
GoPro Hero 4 amzn.to/2l6sskY
GoPro Session 5 amzn.to/2l3SXr1
iPhone 7
Bushnell Aggressor Trail Cam amzn.to/2JJblUd
Velbon DV-7000 tripod and fluid head
Mini slider dolly
Koolertron 1M slider
DJI Mavic Pro drone amzn.to/2l74PIU
Videos edited with Final Cut Pro X and iMovie
Coloured with Pixel Film Studios Cinematic LUTs
MacBook Pro 15"
iMac 27"
GTech & My Passport Storage
Thank you for watching. Comments, likes, suggestions and subscriptions all very welcome.
Subscribe here:
/ @mickgrewcock
Connect here: / amgredfoxwood
And here: / redfoxwood
And here: / mickgrewcock
Music by Epidemic Sound
#mickgrewcock #longbow #warbow

Пікірлер: 153

@qg786 5 жыл бұрын

Just remember that no matter how slow you are at the learning process, you are still way ahead of the one that tried and gave up or the one that isn't even trying!

@guitardan102938 6 жыл бұрын

Great motivational speech for life in general...not just bowmaking Thanks Mick... Keep going!

@Pedro8k 6 жыл бұрын

No one is a failure if you learn from your mistakes try again and your next one will be better this is the only way to learn any skill don't give up

@dragonsage6909 3 ай бұрын

I just started making bows, with simple tools, small shop space, with no assistance but the internet. The feeling of shooting my first successful build was indescribable.. I'm making more. Thanks :)

@MickGrewcock 3 ай бұрын

Well done! Good luck with the rest.

@juwright1949 6 жыл бұрын

Absolutely excellent! I cannot determine if you are a better Boyer or Videographer. Hum perhaps both. Always look forward to your projects and vids. Thank You so much for taking us along.

@hogtied12 3 жыл бұрын

Very emotional video well done Mick, great advise. We come from a nation of bow makers and some of the finest archers in the world came from this fair and green land we should never forget this.

@MickGrewcock 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you - and well said!

@crazycressy7986 6 жыл бұрын

I am very lucky as I have great guidance from a top class chap that I know I can turn to at any time on making bows ,l have turned to your videos many times to help me make my first longbow .Ok it was a eBay bow from Irondale longbows I am now on this great journey ,I have a hazel and yew stave that has been curing for 12 months now and look forward to making a bow from scratch and I will yet again turn to you for help .I thank you for this help and your name will always be mentioned when I talk about bow making ,also have shared your videos as a friend has made a crossbow . Big thank you from me

@MickGrewcock 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Pete. Your words are very kind. Sorry for late response - been away for a while. Hope you are well. Mick

@johnjriggsarchery2457 6 жыл бұрын

Trying to make a 100 pound bow brings it to a new level. In a place where war bows isn't the holy grail, the pressure of bigger is better takes some of the pressure off of us.

@twistedarrow2600 6 жыл бұрын

Mick, The road to success is paved with failures from which we learn from. Bow making is no exception. Most Bowyers subscribe to a saying “ if you’re not breaking you’re not making” None the less it’s always sad to see one explode after putting in the time and energy. You become one with the bow along the way. There is a sense of loss. It makes the next one that much more special!! Having a coil of reflex and deflex fire wood in the fireplace adds some special effects too!! Thanks for the inspiration!!

@matiasmithradates8345 3 жыл бұрын

This month I decided to get into bow making. I'm learning on my own with the help of some youtube channels, yours included. I'm on my 3rd attempt to make a bow, and I think this time it might work. If it doenst, I'll see what went wrong, grab another piece of wood, and start again

@Sid-lk2gq 3 жыл бұрын

thanks for the inspiration Mick, I was feeling disheartened after cracking my first attempt of a longbow, devastated I was as ive had the wood seasoning for years and have no more to work with yet. I decided to make a kids bow with whats left of the stave (47.5 inches from 73) but also went for a wander by the roadside in a thin strip of woods and have found a lovely straight and long dead sapling, I cannot identify the tree by the bark alone but im going back for it, should be nice and seasoned already and youve shown me I can make a bow from any wood. thanks again!

@MickGrewcock 3 жыл бұрын

Keep at it!

@EskdaleHawks1 6 жыл бұрын

That was very thought provoking Mick. AND, IT STRUCK A CORD. As the saying goes '' If at first you don't succeed, try and try again''.

@stlong001 6 жыл бұрын

I really needed this Mick! I’ve retreated from my bows for too long and though I’m still learning lots about woods through spoon carving, I need to get back to the big project that set me on this journey.

@moonchild2686 5 жыл бұрын

When u want to know if youre a bowyer than dont count your successes... how many bows you have build... count the times you failed... but still went on. Youre absolutly right Mick, thanks for that vid it reminded me on the findings i almost forgot. The broken ones made the difference! Greets from Germany

@rayzugar4776 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Mick, turning a living piece of tree into a weapon of war as you said is a labour of love. Being able to see those kinks, hinges and growth rings that wander off in obscure directions takes time and skill. In days gone by a young lad would be tought these things from an early age. We're trying to do it from middle age without a father to guide us. The internet and yourself are a marvellous tool which points us in the right direction, but doing yourself is a whole different ball game. Keep going is one thing, but knowing when too stop also counts. I don't mean stop bow making but when to stop removing wood. Go to your local lumbar yard and buy a plank of wood and turn it into a bow. It's a cheap way of learning how to till. Remove too much and you've got fire wood, but it teaches you when enough is enough. I've just completed a red oak pyramid bow that's drawing 70lb @ 28" and that's the most it'll take without snapping, but it was fun to find out. If you've got the skill in you KEEP GOING if you don't us it you'll loose it.

@Peekcasso 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the motivation and positive thinking!

@SwissSareth 6 жыл бұрын

This is probably THE most motivational video I've ever seen, and I don't even make bows, myself. You're an excellent speaker.

@MickGrewcock 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@WrathRuin 6 жыл бұрын

Fantastic words of wisdom Mick. It's the failures that we make that teach us where we went wrong. Keep up the good work. Skal!

@didjhopkins4135 5 жыл бұрын

Mate...I can’t believe I found this video of yours tonight!! 2 days, 2 broken bows!! I’m only starting out and was pretty stoked when my first bow worked great! I got cocky...nice to be reminded though that it’s all about the journey and learning along the way!! You’re the David Attenborough of bow-making to me!! Thanks for all your advice!! ...by the way, I’ve found She Oak and spotted gum to be the best woods so far here in Oz. Cheers mate

@thefeatheredfrontiersman8135 5 жыл бұрын

I remember breaking a first piece of seasoned mountain Ash when I let my buddy draw it. But I also remember shooting my first rough grouse with a piece of juniper I made. It's so very gratifying when it all comes together. Just remember that struggle is nature's way of building strength.

@andybrown8293 4 жыл бұрын

Failure is a necessary point in learning!

@jmfa57 6 жыл бұрын

Mick, once again, I saved the very best video on KZfaq for the very end of my week. In my deservedly humble opinion, this is your most inspiring video yet. Quite aside from your mastery of the arts of lighting, camera angle, depth of field, etc. (i.e. "making videos"), this time you've used what I feel to be your greatest, and nearly incomparable talent - narration - to deliver a message of inspiration that transcends bow making, and applies to all of life. For reasons I won't bore the KZfaq community with here, I assure you that I needed this message right now. Thank you, Mick!

@MickGrewcock 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you John. It was as much a message to myself than to others. Like the clown that unseen is sad, so this KZfaqr harbours self-doubt when behind the camera.Thanks for your support!

@urbanagoge7598 3 жыл бұрын

The sweetness of success is always spiced with the memory of failiure. Thanks again for all your hard work - I am just starting on this journey - it is a craft that definitely needs to persist, against, perhaps, a day of need.

@MickGrewcock 3 жыл бұрын

Good luck with your crafting experience!

@crajneelchand5382 6 жыл бұрын

Very lovely video Mick. Please never give up. You are the best youtuber in my eyes and I will hate to see you leave. Thank you for sharing.

@Theshadow38ish 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you Mick, that was the best advice ever! Comes at a good time for me. I am going to Keep going !

@robthompson1399 4 жыл бұрын

Wonderful advice for anyone doing anything, you're the best 😍

@malcolmsmith9232 6 жыл бұрын

Eloquently put. Thank you.

@RichardvanHerpen 4 жыл бұрын

Great speech, thanks Mick.......just keep going !!!

@michaelpthompson 6 жыл бұрын

Always good to hear your words of wisdom mate. I have tried to supply my share of the same encouragement to you, and whether I did or not, I see that you are doing so for me and others. Gratitude for the attitude my friend, I hope someday to visit and share a pint with you, or at least a good cuppa. You’ve improved my life in so many ways. Keep up the good work.

@MickGrewcock 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you Michael. That would be great - cuppa, pint or whatever!

@deepseaknight416 6 жыл бұрын

Honestly this channel helped me the most in succeeding in my first bow. I probably would have had several failures if I hadn’t watched his videos. Let’s see how the next one turns out

@MickGrewcock 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you Israel. Mick

@joeturner2335 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mick.

@johnchallinor2990 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for a very timely video.The only time when you are a failure is when you give up. Im about 2 hours north of Brisbane Australia I watch your videos. And they are great. You use different camera angles. And your voice over is clear and easily understood. The problem problem is what woods works out here. I have made a bow out of a fence paling (broke) A bamboo flooring. shoots with no life. The next was Tasmanian oak. A bit soft but I intended to back it on both sides with Fibreglass. Tillered nicely Broke when coming to a full draw. I have heard that you can get Ossage and that it grows here. There is a local boyer. near here. But everyone is like merlin. Keep the secret to themselves. Im in my late 60's. I had to give up archery for the family. So Im on my own now so I can spend the time. I have space and the tools. Trying to find suitable woods is the hardest. I look forward to your videos. I sometimes laugh, because I see me there sometimes. Looking forward to more. Its amazing what you can do when you retired.

@raybailey7745 2 жыл бұрын

Great commitment only way to learn

@richardimmell5688 6 жыл бұрын

Great timing Mick, I want so bad to build a bow, and my discouragement isn't that a bow broke, it is the other things, Space, tools, etc. I was thinking I need to stop talking about it, and trying because I have not even been able to really start. So your message came through loud and clear. I might fail and fail a lot, but I can never succeed if I never try. Thanks Mick!!!!!!!!!!!!

@petardragoev7106 6 жыл бұрын

Such an inspirational video, thank you!

@walkingcaveman6374 4 жыл бұрын

Very motivating and applicable to all spheres of life. Thanks Mick

@MickGrewcock 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 🙏

@larryeddings3185 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent advice.

@duppy9012 6 жыл бұрын

60+ years!?! bugger off mick you look not a day over 55. Thank you for this video it came at a time when i needed it most, and thank you for just being you. You are such an inspiration not just a bowyer but as a person if i can be half the man you are in my life id be over the moon!

@MickGrewcock 6 жыл бұрын

Well that’s kind of you! Truth is though, I’m 63 next birthday 😟!! Thanks for your kind words. Mick

@hammerstoneartifacts4986 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent points brother! Great video. To find a workable stave is an achievement on its own. To work it then fail must be heart breaking. The thing that keeps me going in life is the expression. "Don't let it break your stride." At the end of the day...It's easier to say it...Then live it...But with guidance and support from people like you...The "Getting up" is much easier!

@andywatson4805 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mick

@michaelmorgenstern521 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome video sir, thank you deeply for your kind a encouraging words. Yesterday i broke a bow on tiller as well and as such i still bear the fresh feeling of emptiness after spending the time waiting for the wood to dry, carefully shaping it and slowly bedning it.... The show must go on and sure it will! Many thanks right from my heart, may your message encourages as many archery enthusiasts as possible....!

@MickGrewcock 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Michael. I'm very sorry that you've had a breakage on the tiller - it's very disappointing after all the work done but we have to carry on. Good luck with the next one. Best wishes, Mick

@miamjolnir3130 5 жыл бұрын

A lovely motivational speech. thank you for the lovely video mick, all of your videos have helped me a lot. ive been making bows since may and so far gone through at least 10 bows so far and broken all of them. ive been working on my latest bow since September, only able to put hours a week into it sadly but so far its turning out to be my best yet. decided this time to go with a pyramid flatbow and so far I like its shape the best, hopefully it works out im shooting for 45 to 50 pounds. should know by spring if it turns out lol.

@MickGrewcock 5 жыл бұрын

Keep at it Justin. It's the only way. Mick

@johnroberts3723 3 жыл бұрын

Wise words indeed.

@HarleyRiderMC 3 жыл бұрын

Today I was on the last stage of tillering a red oak recurve bow that I’ve been working on for the past two weeks. Had pressed the bow to 49 lbs at 28 inches yesterday. Wanted to get it to 45 at 28 today so after a few card scrapes on each limb to remove some shavings the bow exploded when i pulled it to 25 inches on my tillering post. Disappointed? Yes! But then i did a quick inventory of my work process, design, wood selection, grain, etc. Disappointed? Yes, but also so grateful for the experience, the satisfaction of seeing the bow come into shape, and the learning i achieved from the work. So now what? Keep going? Hell yes! Tomorrow we start a new bow. This time using Hickory. Carry on!

@MickGrewcock 3 жыл бұрын

Well done with your positive outlook! Good luck.

@adamhughes2641 6 жыл бұрын

This couldn't of came at a better time for me, my last seasoned stave blew on the tiller this morning. Thank you Mick.

@dancousins2003 6 жыл бұрын

Great advice 👍🏼

@obi-wankenobi8406 4 жыл бұрын

The only reason mistakes exist is for us to learn from them

@kp.co.6074 6 жыл бұрын

Very inspiring bud! I think philosophically speaking that drive or ability to keep going is what separates the people in the crowd and the ones that eventually become masters of their art or anything that their striving for. I’ve learned more from broken bows then my successful bows. Although the successful ones are way more fun to shoot :)

@NaturalBowWoman 6 жыл бұрын

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! You are amazing, you, your videos and your bows. So pleased you did this video to remind us all that anything we do has its trials and joys. Thankyou again :-) :-) :-)

@MickGrewcock 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! As much a reminder to me as anyone else 🏹 Greetings from Crete 🌞

@NaturalBowWoman 6 жыл бұрын

Ooh nice, have a lovely holiday :-)

@vigab9601 6 жыл бұрын

True words of wisdom ... keep going

@krunopandzic1247 6 жыл бұрын

Could'n agree more Mike. It's about the process of learning and enjoing the craft. Great video 👍

@Beeef_Supreme 6 жыл бұрын

Becoming a bowyer is my dream. I will never ever give up. Thank you for the encouragement.

@rayzugar4776 6 жыл бұрын

My father once told me "a man that hasn't done anything wrong hasn't done anything" your mistakes are such a great teacher.

@karenmurray3098 2 жыл бұрын

keep going , i will remember that

@vaulthecreator 6 жыл бұрын

Well said Mick, very well said. My grandfather once told me that "failure is merely a stepping to success. You learn far more from those failures than if you succeed from the outset." Unforgettable words from an incredibly wise man that spent 30-odd years building a circa 1940's Chris-craft by hand from a set of drawings no bigger than an opened newspaper.

@jindrichpech2924 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you !! :-)

@stefanoseardo123 6 жыл бұрын

I'm grateful for your blog and all the videos you post. they are all very interesting. I have always loved the bow that has a particular and suggestive magic on me. I write from Italy, from Lucca exactly. I've been following you for a year and a half and during this time I had a lot of fun making bows with many different woods. the most powerful bow I've made so far is 70-pound wood. this winter I could not stretch it in full, now I feel the need for a more powerful bow. I've already recovered 3 big yew branches that I'm ready to work with. your advice will support me. thank you. Stefano

@MickGrewcock 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you Stefano. I am delighted that you enjoy my videos - we are sharing the same journey and interest. Good luck with your next bows. I wish you well my friend. (I am presently in Crete on holiday). Mick

@kissao23 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Mick! Greetings from Russia! Appreciate your inspirational videos :)

@ziltoid420 3 жыл бұрын

Failure is just a step to success. Watching this to prepare for my first try at a green ash bow.

@MickGrewcock 3 жыл бұрын

Good luck!

@haraldbearclaw1856 6 жыл бұрын

Really well spoken and edited motivational video Mick. Shame I didn't see something like this in my bowyer's beginnings as I too struggled at that time with constant failure. There was a time where I failed at least 5 bows in a row. I took months long pause and took my revenge when I made a successful bow, breaking the spell of failure. It wasn't particularly a great bow, but it was something. Btw, interesting thing is that my failure period came a year after I started making bows. So my first bows were all successes and then fate decided that that is enough of beginners luck haha.

@dunelmtinker4758 5 жыл бұрын

First Attempt In Learning.

@jakehenry9162 5 жыл бұрын

Aanii, (greetings) i just subscribed to your channel,after watching a few videos,i'm a first nations archer from canada ,i to have tried my hand at crafting a longbow, 3up-3down,broke them all,so i bought 2 ,one a hickory/bamboo backed 72",and the other a 60"slick stik by bodnik bows,i've been practicing archery since i can remember and i'm in my sixties now,it just never grows old, archery is addictive, i love it.shakyjake out. Awesome videos by the way.

@MickGrewcock 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Jake, glad you like the videos. We are similar age, I'm 63. I'm having a bit of a rest from filming bow making (made 100 videos so far) due to other commitments but there should be more in the future. Meanwhile I am making wildlife and similar videos when I can so I hope you can stick around for them. Thanks again, Mick

@halfdanbartholemew1843 5 жыл бұрын

Its great fun. Wandering around the woods hunting wood. Nothing wrong with failing. It helps you grow.

@mdsign001 6 жыл бұрын

thanks Mick I'm by no means a boyer and have failed more at making a bow then succeeded but when I do get it right ... the success is all the more sweet! 😋

@MarkMuhammad 6 жыл бұрын

OK, now I want to start making one.

@adriancox-thesantjordigolf3646 6 жыл бұрын

You can learn from failure...keep it up Mick.

@dooleyfussle8634 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mick. My latest bow (a Russian Olive gull shaped branch bow) is giving me fits. One good thing is I am going for a light weight practice bow (25-30 lbs) but even that is challenging as balancing the limbs keeps wobbling back and forth as I try to reduce power. A real character bow, as well. My local woods include black locust, ash, and hop hornbeam. I also have some Pacific yew. Even harder than bows? Arrows!

@tobye3629 5 жыл бұрын

My first bow is just a stick but yet over the years i accumulated skills and money to make a sucseeful bow.Never give up if your stike broke,like mine

@Skoden_lures 6 жыл бұрын

Very timely. Thank you Mick. I have made 4 bows that flung 2 to 3 arrows then broke. I have thought about moving on many times. I am a master luthier and that came naturally but this has been a struggle.

@MickGrewcock 6 жыл бұрын

Keep going!

@Skoden_lures 6 жыл бұрын

I shall and have. just finished a purpleheart and hickory longbow. You have been a great teacher and supporter. Thank you so much.

@MickGrewcock 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you and well done!

@michaelray5595 2 жыл бұрын

Gene Simmons of KISS (like him or not) said once - "I have never failed, just discovered 1000 ways NOT to do something". Now I doubt it's actually his quote, just who I heard it from. But it has truth!

@niallwildwoode7373 4 жыл бұрын

The only failure is the giving up. Breaking or wonky bows are just part of the trajectory to astounding success, however long it takes.

@ionsorinporojan149 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Mick !😀😀😀 You know my opinion about breaking bows ... Keep going making bows my friend !!!!😁😁😁 And keep making wonderful videos like this one ! Thanks mate for sharing !!! Sorin the bowman / ROUMANIA

@MickGrewcock 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you Sorin. Hope you are well. Mick

@mateodurasin7905 6 жыл бұрын

Yesterday I saw a hazel branch and thought to myself is this wood good for a bow. So of course I googled it and found your channel and your hazel bow series. You inspired me and today I went to get that branch it was even long enough for two peaces so if I fail on first I can try again. Currently the wood is drying as you said ,here in Croatia is very hot right now so idk it may speed up the drying process ,wish me luck :-)

@MickGrewcock 6 жыл бұрын

Good luck Mateo. Hazel is good for bows, easy to work but does challenge us beginners. Make the bow’s belly flattish - not D shaped. Takes a few weeks to dry, especially if you shape roughly to bow size first. Best wishes, Mick

@Arcnat 6 жыл бұрын

I’ve taken a short break because its too hot to be working at the moment, and because I need a break otherwise I’ll get frustrated when it starts to take too long. But I do know I can do it. The second one I made from a board only broke because I made the brace waaay too high, almost 7-8 inches. At a normal 3 inch brace it pulled just fine. Then I pulled it hard at the high brace and it broke. I’m not giving up, just preparing for the next session.

@fancymcclean6210 5 жыл бұрын

Yea, persistence is the only quality for the amateur bow maker. I've broken three, one is too light on draw weight, the other is badly tillered and can't be fixed. My current project is going well- slowly does it. Flaxen Saxon

@steverichardson4808 4 жыл бұрын

Failure i just a component of success

@miloslavtriska3862 6 жыл бұрын

No ,you are a great bowyer and archer , sorry for my english greetings from Czech republic

@MickGrewcock 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you Miloslav!

@timdefelice2570 6 жыл бұрын

Well Mike if bowyer isnt for you then try inspirational speaking! Great video and thank you for the encouragement! It can be applied to more than just bow making! Thank you!

@mihaizograf5599 6 жыл бұрын

Hi ! I understand you're on vacation. I wish you had only clear days !!! We were expecting you with great interest. You missed us !!!

@MickGrewcock 6 жыл бұрын

Mihai Zograf Thank you Mihai! Back home now and the cameras are out!!

@giadadisalvo6866 6 жыл бұрын

ciao , sono Marco da Roma.Anche io come te amo fare archi da autodidatta , questo è il video che sognavo da molto , perchè finalmente spiega che colui che ci insegna , è colui che ha imparato da un autodidatta....strano ma vero . sei e rimani il mio guru

@MickGrewcock 6 жыл бұрын

Ciao Marco, mi scuso per la risposta tardiva al tuo commento-sono stato via in vacanza. Grazie per il tuo commento, è apprezzato è difficile imparare a sé, spesso lento e a volte impariamo le cose sbagliate-ma è anche una grande esperienza e e un modo valido per imparare una competenza. Buona fortuna, grande e godimento e migliori auguri dal Regno Unito

@wibblywobblyidiotvision 4 жыл бұрын

Hello Mick. I started tillering, and inevitably broke, my first bow today. A lovely piece of beech deadwood picked up in the forest, and now it's just firewood. Back out to the forest with an axe and a handsaw tomorrow.

@MickGrewcock 4 жыл бұрын

That’s a pity, but it’s how we learn. Find some hazel or ash if it grows near you. You might have more luck with one of those. Stay well.

@wibblywobblyidiotvision 4 жыл бұрын

Yep, it's a pity but it's all part of the learning process. Around here there's loads of beech, some birch and hazel, and occasionally some ash. The rest is epicea, which is useless even as firewood. Beech seems to be the one that grows straightest and mostly without knots, which is why I picked that particular branch. I gather it really wants to be tempered on the belly for bow use but for starters I just want something that will bend. It was my fault it broke, of course.

@MickGrewcock 4 жыл бұрын

Michel Auron beech has an interlocked grain, a lovely wood but not one I’d choose for bows. Hazel is excellent, usually grows straight and responds well to heat for reshaping and hardening the belly.

@wibblywobblyidiotvision 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that. I'll have to see what I can find, the haze around here seems to grow "straggly", it's rare to see anything much thicker than arrow shaft size. Might be something to do with thicker branches getting flattened and snapped by the snow - I'm in the French Alps. Also, thanks for your various videos. Enormously inspiring, and beautifully made.

@MickGrewcock 4 жыл бұрын

Michel Auron Ah, I wondered where you lived. Hazel grows well in UK and often coppiced, producing many straight branches ideal for bow making. How is the birch where you are?

@LaserSharkPhotoablations 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mick.. Good or bad, (mostly bad) its the crafting that keeps me going.. Having information isnt learning.. I have gained little from information I gather without a fight to the end with the reality. Besides i cant stop I have to many bloody staves of wierd experimental wood. Now blanked and shaped and curing... 3 Hiccory Wattle, 2 silver birch, 2 Dryland Sheoak species uknown. 2 Crepe Myrtle. 1 Ash?.. Coming soon a couple of Pecan. Should keep me in firewood for a while :D

@MickGrewcock 6 жыл бұрын

Ha! Good luck with your experimental staves, sounds fun. Mick

@matthewcourtney-jones6041 6 жыл бұрын

The difference between a professional bowyer and amateur is the ability to keep making despite getting it wrong time after time after time. Its also a true addiction ( isn’t it Mick😉)

@MickGrewcock 6 жыл бұрын

Addictive certainly Matt!

@fredflintstone7986 6 жыл бұрын

If u aint breakin you aint makin... Make flatbows, longbows are so 2017!!!! :) Get rid of those ruddy callipers and use them fingers! Never use that tiller tree again....I feel a motivational book coming from this channel. I feel healed already, must keep going RAR!!! :)

@MickGrewcock 6 жыл бұрын

Title? 😉

@nstlase5505 4 жыл бұрын

Even when things go wrong keep going, anything is possible if you try hard enough and never give up, things Will many times be hard and in some way you Will feel like giving Up but All i can say is dont but maybe go away from IT for a Day or two and calm down and then try again with fresh eyes

@MickGrewcock 4 жыл бұрын

Well said!

@nstlase5505 4 жыл бұрын

@@MickGrewcock thanks:)

@indianatone218 2 жыл бұрын

Ive recently purchased a black hunter recurve plus arrows ,haven't used it yet but i feel in the near future id like to make my own longbow, it looks fun ive still to make the medieval black and pecker workmate yet ,just wish we had better weather to get out there my workshops mainly metalwork if you check my channel out ,wood dust and machine oil dont mix lol. i will get there tho your inspiring me lol. Ant from wet wales with no sun.

@rodparsons521 6 жыл бұрын

I only began to make bows for myself because I was reluctant to buy something that I would probably like better if I had made it myself. If I live to be a hundred I will not claim to be a bowyer and tend to take most claims to be one with a pinch of salt. An acknowledged master once said "Any damn fool can string a stick that will shoot an arrow..." I have been loosing arrows since before I could read and I'm left after more than sixty years with an abiding interest in the practice of instinctive archery using self-bows and wooden arrows. I have no more than a pragmatic interest in my bows and from time to time, some attachment to a current favourite. But talk is cheap and an honest arrow is the only witness that counts. All prizes are illusory, the value where it exists has been in the journey. The failures have been lessons along the way, even the ones that were foolishly dismissed. But how many bows do we need to make (unless opening a shop) before realising the value of building a less imperfect archer?

@waynemctaggart3250 5 жыл бұрын

Hi mate. You were right. Making my 2nd bow. Wonky😭have spent many an hour just staring at it and pondering. Any idea thickness for a hazel bow at tips and handle for a 40lb bow. Thanks

@MickGrewcock 5 жыл бұрын

Depends on the wood to some extent but tips 8mm ish and maybe around 25mm/30mm at handle . Best thing to do is start thicker than these numbers and work down to the shape first and then reduce the draw weight to what you need. Tips always seem able to stand being thinner than we imagine and the handle area depends on whether you want it to bend through the handle or not. Try not to get hung up on dimensions, let the wood show you the way. Good luck.

@waynemctaggart3250 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Was trying to be to precise from to off!!!! Wood doesn't do measurements. 👍Cheers

@MickGrewcock 5 жыл бұрын

Yes, I found a ruler is a dangerous aid when making self bows! But when I started it was useful to have some idea of dimensions. Now I am a little less concerned with that.

@waynemctaggart3250 5 жыл бұрын

@@MickGrewcock hi again. Thank you. Ill have a at the stave again.

@LienRanMizunagi 6 жыл бұрын

I'd recycle my broken wood bows to make a composite bow handle and core wood (or siyahs) xD kinda like going for a sunny side up egg then when I fail I'd shout "we'd be having some scrambled eggs for breakfast"

@woodsmith3124 6 жыл бұрын

My only real failure was paying $150 for a hickory stave and being sent a warped piece of firewood.

@rheckarxe4t417 6 жыл бұрын

Broken a 2 years old bow 4 hours ago this is my medicineee

@comesahorseman 6 жыл бұрын

Hell, if you give up you'll also give up the opportunity to scratch that itch of curiosity, the what if.... ;)

@ralphohms7513 2 жыл бұрын

👍

@Sylencer1982 6 жыл бұрын

Maxim 70: Failure is not an option. It's mandatory. The option is whether or not to let failure be the last thing you do. -from the Seventy Maxims of Maximally Effective Mercenaries, by Howard Tayler, of the Schlock Mercenary webcomic.

@robertopinzani6774 6 жыл бұрын

Spend more time in search of the easiest stave , dont hear the one that speake about " caracter bows" yes failure is the base of learning , but if i had to choose among desperate staves and good ones ,no doubt bro no doubt, only if i want to try some new wood ,and im not able to find a godd stave i choose the difficult ones and never as a dire but as a necessity , so goes out from your hedgerow and search the best wood you can find ,cut in winter ,if you go for debarking and natural first ring back, as only in winter the plant has completed the develop of the new ring , by bro always a pleasure to watch your videos. ps. no dire , bow making is not a dire it was a necessity , and dires are not necessity but vanity. a hang to you.

@ArtyomBlin7595 6 жыл бұрын

im trying to make a bow with little space but the problem is wood..... where to find proper wood in my area....... i made 2 board bows... one broke the secon i dont like much ....

@MickGrewcock 6 жыл бұрын

That’s a common problem I’m afraid. Never been interested in board bows personally but they are an option if natural wood is not obtainable. Good luck and keep trying!