Self Bow Building for Beginners - Complete Guide
Рет қаралды 1,058,115
Күн бұрынIn this step by step bow making video, Clay Hayes takes you, step by step, through how to make a hickory self bow from self bow design through tillering and finally shooting our new longbow. It is a complete guide, DIY self bow building for beginners. We start with a small hickory bow stave and use very few bow building tools to make this wooden bow. These techniques will work to build bows in the recurve bow, longbow, and flatbow designs. For this build we'll use a drawknife and farrier's rasp for the bulk of the work. We start by using the drawknife to remove the bark and cambium form the bow stave, then use a chalk line to mark center. We lay out a 64" longbow and rough it out before starting to tiller the bow. Before the final tillering, we clamp the selfbow to a form and heat treat the belly to harden it and make a more efficient weapon.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
09:40 Bow Building Tools
10:53 Self Bow Design and Layout
18:29 Roughing the bow out
20:40 Cutting the fades
43:53 Floor Tillering
46:46 Heat Treating
52:22 Tillering
01:18:38 Handle and arrow shelf
01:25:00 Shooting
Some other videos that complement this one:
How to tie string nocks: • Tie on STRING NOCKS
Choosing arrows: • How to choose the BEST...
Tuning for perfect arrow flight: • Tuning a Recurve, long...
Finish Work: • SELF BOW Building - Sa...
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Big thanks to our partners who help support these videos!
Backpacks - kifaru.net/
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Broadheads - siriusarchery.com/tuffhead-home/
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Clothing - www.firstlite.com/
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Website: www.twistedstave.com/
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@maxcorder2211 Жыл бұрын
40 years ago I was deer hunting in South Georgia. A couple of guys showed up to bow hunt. Every piece of equipment and clothing they had; bows (Osage), arrows, arrow heads, bowstring, quiver, knives, pants, shirts & boots were personally hand made of natural materials. I was impressed.
@xochitlahuia 11 ай бұрын
that’s how it should be 😌
@maxcorder2211 10 ай бұрын
@@calebtedford6779 I can't say for sure. They were at the house early in the morning and I didn't see them again.
@kurshkolo4701 6 ай бұрын
The same happend to me too but in red dead redemption 2
@cvspvr 4 ай бұрын
@@maxcorder2211you didn't see them again because they built their own house by hand
@gitawithay 2 ай бұрын
They sound like people I’d like to know.
@crazybotanist3961 Жыл бұрын
When people come to KZfaq trying to learn how to do something, this is the type of video they’re looking for.
@clayhayeshunter Жыл бұрын
Glad you like it
@senlu277 4 күн бұрын
you are right
@mightyporky 2 жыл бұрын
Nice bow, I envy you in that you are able to do these bows. As a young boy in Tennessee, I used to make hickory bows. The saplings made an excellent bow for me. Shooting into the sky, I lost sight of the arrow. No danger hitting anything there as there was nothing to hit. An arrow was a weed that was straight with a hollow all the way through it. I used clothes hangers for tips as one fit in that white stuff in the hollow spot. Targets were trees and that arrow would stick in just fine. That was around 65 years ago, I miss that......
@_neoneagle_8864 Жыл бұрын
I'm 21 but did the SE think as a little kid I believe you are referring to horse weed for the arrows it's like styrofoam in the middle very fun
@herweirdoo0904 2 жыл бұрын
What a legend ! mans really out here giving out a entire book worth of knowledge in a single video.
@seung-geelhong1689 2 жыл бұрын
Best tutorial video I've ever seen on bow-building. He explained everything step-by-step with easy-to-understand instructions. Wonderful video!
@clayhayeshunter 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks
@LeperKing1174 Жыл бұрын
Definitely one the most golden content here on KZfaq! We should get more useful content like this! thank you sir for this 🙏
@sevensfist_com 2 жыл бұрын
Watching this video not only gave me the know how, but also the confidence to want to self build, Cheers Clay!🍺🤠👍
@keiththomas3141 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for posting this. I built a bow when I was a kid with my dad. It's awesome that you're explaining everything you need to know. I feel like making another bow.
@litesimpson9736 2 жыл бұрын
Lovely to see how you build the bow with just a handfull of tools. I like that you know what you are talking about. Thanks for sharing!
@senlu277 4 күн бұрын
Really great video! I watch this video 3 times, and take some notes.
@mellemelle66 2 жыл бұрын
Amazing! thank you for making this video. I am new to bow building, I just done 4 bows this far, and all of them are very weak, but now I might have an understanding how to increase the the draw weight on my next bow. Thank you!
@magnushomestead3824 Жыл бұрын
So glad to find this instruction video!! As a beginner bowyer I appreciate the detailed explanations showing every thing needed from the layout to the finished bow in clear step by step instructions. I feel confidant I will be able to produce a quality bow on my first go. I've built a few skin on frame kayaks and so am familiar with bending and working wood so I can relate your teachings to experience. THANK YOU CLAY! I will be checking out your other videos. The best I've come across!! Best Wishes for this New Year!
@matthewlentz6008 2 жыл бұрын
I always wanted to do this but when I do I want it to be done rite with confidence. Very spot on informative and helpful hints and you flip your tools. So you got my trust and looking forward to making my first bow. Thank you so much looking forward to being your other videos.
@darkclouda320 2 ай бұрын
You are a true artist. A beautiful mastery of simple hand tools.
@christinenorriss9675 2 жыл бұрын
That was an excellent tutorial Clay, I agree with many other comments, possibly one of your best..I have learnt so much more from this video, for example, the way you kept the limbs the same thickness from handle to tips, I had been making mine a certain thickness at handle then tapering out to thinner at tips, anyway, thats one thing I really picked up on! This will be my go to tutorial for some time I think! Thanks so much..
@tradbowyer1975 2 жыл бұрын
your amazing! I never get tired of watching pro's build bows it turned out awesome great video thank you
@timothylongmore7325 18 сағат бұрын
Just bought and recieved Clays book. This video is the perfect compliment to the book. I'd be hesitant to do a build just based on the book. I'd probably still do it , lol , because every thing was covered in great detailed. Great book, glad I bought it. I was a fan before Alone and before I even new he made bows. Now I'm a fan .I've just use my fast forward quite a bit early in the seasons.
@lylemuegge5811 Жыл бұрын
Great video, Clay. Thanks for taking the time to explain all the details. Really appreciate it and all the videos full of knowledge you post. Thanks.
@bryonguenther6199 2 жыл бұрын
Great video! I’m amazed at your ability to make that bow sow short for your draw length.
@donsimons9810 2 жыл бұрын
I watched this just so I understand a bow better, but now I want to make one with my kids when they’re older. Congrats on your channel, it’s impressive and substantial!
@johnbeattie1225 2 жыл бұрын
Great instruction .I've always wanted to make one and now I can refer to your Great video to try to do when I have time .Thank you for doing this 👍😊
@teddywilliamson3547 Жыл бұрын
A few minutes in and I was like this dude is famous. It's awesome you are doing what you love. Blessings to you and your family.
@tommybarrios3307 Жыл бұрын
Greetings Clay, Awesome video, I continue to take mental notes, and look forward to my first bow build. Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge.
@Oriares Жыл бұрын
Excellent tutorial man, I made my first ever wood bow thanks to you. It came out a little light but it shoots and hasn't broken yet xd. Thank you man and happy new year!
@brockarcher3857 9 ай бұрын
Has it broken since? Need advice I’m scared to break one
@jesslanders1700 2 жыл бұрын
Great video! This caveman is happy. Now making my first bow. I am now making my first hickory bow. Respect and gratitude. Thank you.
@les3449 10 ай бұрын
At 23:14 and 23:29 you show this build was live and unedited. I like that, shows what can go wrong and you're not phased.
@arkansasnative5248 Жыл бұрын
I've watched this video so many times. You make it look so easy.
@Pixel3 7 ай бұрын
What a great detailed video with complete explanation of the process, thank you so much Clay!
@ldtexas1648 2 жыл бұрын
Very well done Clay! Thank you! 👍
@arasul 2 жыл бұрын
Clay, this is probably the only video from the myriad that I have seen that really tells everything a beginner might want to know to start building a self bow. You are amazing, you are a good tutor, kudos to you. It was indeed a pleasure to watch this video. I now feel confident I can start making a self bow.
@clayhayeshunter 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks
@eddy4112 2 жыл бұрын
Clay, I think this video and the one that follows this one (Fire Hardening) are the two best "how to" videos you have ever done. Your explanations are concise, yet well explained. Your willingness to try something new, not know what the results may be, frees many of us neophytes up to experiment and learn. I sincerely believe these to be two of the best bow videos I have ever seen. Funny how 100 days "alone" causes someone to start thinking straight ;-)
@clayhayeshunter 2 жыл бұрын
👍
@Sybilline_Stoic Жыл бұрын
I've been alone for years so I must think straighter than anyone.
@TheFirstVivid Жыл бұрын
@@Sybilline_Stoic this deserves some love good one
@james-heatherbailey5530 11 ай бұрын
I agree!
@FREEDUMB4ALL 2 жыл бұрын
Hey thanks Clay! I made my first self bow watching your videos. Turned out well just a few pounds under the draw I was looking for. Great video man! Thanks again for putting this out.
@clayhayeshunter 2 жыл бұрын
👍 😊
@edpena4878 2 жыл бұрын
Great video Clay. I’m trying to make my first bow. This video has helped me a lot. Thanks a lot.
@JCOwens-zq6fd 2 жыл бұрын
Greenlee & hickory are both great recommendations. Its what i was taught on for the most part. Tried others growing up but those work best. Especially since hickory is so plentiful in SE TN.
@fionabender1882 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Clay , this has gotta be the best single Bow building video on KZfaq, the tillering section in particular has been very helpful
@clayhayeshunter 2 жыл бұрын
Glad it helped
@knolltop314 2 жыл бұрын
Good tips and cautions. Thanks for taking the time.
@clayhayeshunter 2 жыл бұрын
No problem
@maxc4747 Жыл бұрын
Sharing free valuable knowledge like this commands respect. Thank you for this :)
@tonypace2009 2 жыл бұрын
Loved the extra details on proper way to square up sides and getting to final line more accurately. I've got a couple store bought recurvs but have been also wanting to make a couple hand made bows just to prove to myself I can. Lol Growing up I lived down the street from a small Indian museum first thing there I saw was a old bow and tried making one for years. My first attempt was using a limb from a memulsa tree with a butter knife I stole from our kitchen. If my string wouldn't have broken I think it would have cast my crooked arrow a whole 6 feet. Lol So now I need to make a proper bow to get some redemption after 40 years.
@clayhayeshunter 2 жыл бұрын
Sounds about like my first attempts 😜
@markdavies6990 2 жыл бұрын
Clay watched a lot of your back catalog. Man you’re an awesome teacher! Thanks and keep up the great work.
@clayhayeshunter 2 жыл бұрын
I appreciate that!
@NorthEastHunter27 2 жыл бұрын
That is awesome. I just watched season 8 last week. I was in the yard splitting wood thinking about taking my bow out for some practice then I thought of the old photos of my grandfather shooting deer and bear with a long bow and thought I want to step away from my compound and get a long bow maybe I’ll see what Clay used… then I found this video. I’m definitely going to build one now. Awesome content such a great video.
@ryanguffy4739 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video, awesome and inspiring work!
@davecolborn2665 10 ай бұрын
My wife and i just finished the 8th season of Alone. Congrats. I'm sure they portray you and all characters how it benefits the show, but you carried yourself well and looked like you could have kept going. Always nice to see competitors who are still healthy enough to continue both mentally and physically. It's getting chilly and i was looking for a project bigger than a spoon. This suits my needs and seems clear, concise and a good lead in to your other videos. Thank you.
@ammoboxgrillin7345 Жыл бұрын
Loved this video. New to the sport but I’m a trades person, and your passion for the old school is very cool. Really enjoyed this video
@smittyslabs 2 жыл бұрын
I should have watched this video before I started making my 1st self bow. Made the whole bow with an axe and a knife. That was a LOT of work. Time to improve on it and make another.
@EDCgearJUNKIE Жыл бұрын
Cut my first hickory staves today. Grew up shooting Osage self bows so I’m excited to start making them. Awesome video
@fhorst41 Жыл бұрын
I had burn out from watching 7 straight seasons of Alone, and had to step away for a while. But your videos brought me back, and I just finished watching season 8. Congratulations on an epic win there, and thank you for your inspiring videos here on YT. I enjoyed season 8 tremendously. The only criticism/observation I would make on it is that I think everyone missed a huge building resource by not harvesting spruce roots to used in construction. They're right under the surface, long, flexible and usually used by splitting in 2 (doubling the harvested length) and they constrict when they dry, as would be expected in a shelter, tightening the bound joints. Every member of season 8 had ample spruce, and no one made use of it. Thanks again.
@clayhayeshunter Жыл бұрын
I did actually harvest some spruce roots but it didn’t make the show. Great resource.
@fhorst41 Жыл бұрын
@@clayhayeshunter I wish they would have shown that. It bothered me seeing wasted cordage and wire. Those could have gone further as the season progressed. Thanks for the reply.
@drohegda Жыл бұрын
Clay Thank You so much, what a great feeling to work at something, put in the time, creating something it must give you a great sense of Satisfaction, and passing it on to other, Good Man Clay excellent video. Thanks Again.
@sling-it5304 2 жыл бұрын
I'm looking at making my first bow so im searching the web for as much information and this video is great thank you
@BekkaMakes 2 жыл бұрын
This video is amazing. Thank you so much!
@WayneTheSeine 2 жыл бұрын
Man, if they would have had internet when I was younger. Amazing job young man. I like your nocks so much better than most I see on videos. It makes sense they would help take some of the vibrations out and they just look so much more refined. I can tell you take great pride in your work....it shows. Thanks for sharing.
@clayhayeshunter 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Wayne
@KPSoutside Жыл бұрын
Awesome video. Thanks for making it. First time bow maker so it helped me very much.
@Warlax 2 жыл бұрын
Amazing video. One of these days, I might build me a bow. You sure so make it look good.
@gtchalie5038 2 жыл бұрын
Watched every minute of this. And learned a lot! Could even see myself trying to make one some day. So far only hunted with a compound bow.
@terryjanssen316 Жыл бұрын
Watched every minute twice and will watch again. He sees the bow and just needs to remove the useless wood. Artist.
@HistoricalWeapons 2 жыл бұрын
awesome guide!
@thefeatheredfrontiersman8135 2 жыл бұрын
When are you going to start tillering and building bows? Id love to see how more of those crazy eastern ones are made!
@serb1anarcher306 2 жыл бұрын
I freaking love you man, you are such an inspiration to me, but not in a way of making bows, but in a way of overcoming my anxiety and panic attacks. Thank you
@clayhayeshunter 2 жыл бұрын
Glad to help Boba
@sherwinpalacio3227 Жыл бұрын
Love your bow build videos🙂
@joedavino9225 7 ай бұрын
Thank you clay me and my daughter are starting our first build this weekend super excited this video will help alot
@compass504 4 ай бұрын
A great guide, Clay. Thanks Much!
@rorynelson7548 Жыл бұрын
I'm lucky enough to have purchased a cheap piece of crap belt Grinder from menards that really made sanding to my lines easy. Thanks Clay, you taught me how to make my first bow! You're an awesome dude.
@georgyekimov9727 2 жыл бұрын
I thank God that there is such a magnificent guide in the world!!! I have been learning from your videos for a year. I have not enough free time and not enough space for shop, but I have already made 3 flatbows (2 hazel and 1 ash) and work on white oak longbow... Unfortunately, I don't have possibility to buy your book. but when I can, I will definitely buy it. Thank you so much for your altruism, for your knowledge, for your inspiration!!!
@cuntpunter35 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for putting in the time on this, Clay. That was an excellent tutorial on tillering. You kept it simple, and stressed the important aspects just right.
@clayhayeshunter 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Matthew
@Invalid-user825 Жыл бұрын
@@clayhayeshunter que não dá no MEU celular ☠️🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠
@kainazar_live Жыл бұрын
@@Invalid-user825 я вам
@roberttown2816 2 жыл бұрын
Wow what a video, I have all the tools you used and a love for working with wood plus shooting. I look forward to watching this back whilst making a bow of my own, Much respect from the UK
@clayhayeshunter 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Robert
@nv8409 2 жыл бұрын
That was an awesome video! Thank you so much, I thoroughly enjoyed it
@clayhayeshunter 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks much
@FightingGravity2071 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome video! Thank you!
@jayburrough4308 2 жыл бұрын
My granddad uses this flapper wheel that has metal blades/teeth and he uses it with his drill and it strips the bark fairly quick but he really only used it when is was a seasoned log 🪵/dried out . he has so many hand made tool's I love seeing them all.lol have a good day everyone
@bonesstones6584 2 жыл бұрын
Good video Clay, there is so much to know, even at the simplest level. Nice SCAG btw!
@bushhack 2 жыл бұрын
When that hatchet handle crunched free I wasn’t expecting that! I’ve never had a problem with a handle but I hear a lot of comments on this problem as I look at cutting tools.
@bluefluteman 2 жыл бұрын
Excellent video! Thank you Sir
@ruudmendel5823 2 жыл бұрын
Hallo Clay, i always enjoy your videos i am also a bowyer, it is always good to go back to the basics . I am from Holland making yew bows, thank you for passing your knowledge . Greetings Ruud,
@qazwsxedc12345678991 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome I think this will be a winter project for me
@stephenhoseinsurvivaldakot128 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome job clay
@WACKOJACKO6648 2 жыл бұрын
nice bow clay. I am making a small bow for a 6 year old as I watched your video and got some good tips. I have not made a bow in 50 years since I was a boy. I enjoyed your teaching. Thanks from Jack . Brandon will enjoy this little bow.
@josephdowell1027 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Clay! Followed you and your family a long time and have read your book. Just want to say thankyou, me and my boys shadow your experience in the UK (minus hunting unfortunatly due to law) although we plan on travelling to hunt as soon as affordability allows and i will be putting all your teachings into practice. With you doing what you do and teaching others our dream would not be a possibility. Thankyou.
@clayhayeshunter 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Joseph, I hope you and your boys are able to get out hunting soon. ch
@FISHUNTREE 2 жыл бұрын
Love your workshop
@shadomane 2 жыл бұрын
Great video! I may have to start up a new hobbie. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience with us, I really enjoyed and learned a lot from this video. I'm not a Bowyer, obviously, but I have worked with wood in some way or another all my life. And this looks like something I would really enjoy. I already have most of the tools that I would need.
@mahmoudghasemi2998 3 ай бұрын
خیلی لذت بردم،انسان خوب Magical ❤❤❤
@tangodelta635 2 жыл бұрын
Finished my first self-bow made from a red oak board. Raw hide for backing came from Twisted Stave (Thanks Clay). 68” and 49# @ 28”. I just followed Clay’s videos.
@clayhayeshunter 2 жыл бұрын
Congrats!
@robertrivera428 Жыл бұрын
Super cool video
@danman2070 Жыл бұрын
Exceptional!
@craigelectric5241 2 жыл бұрын
Incredible art
@willchoate7072 Жыл бұрын
Absolutely love this video!
@Turn2222 Жыл бұрын
That was interesting and fun to watch.
@henchman_ben3725 Жыл бұрын
I just got your book the other day, and was thinking about how a person makes a bow, so I youtubed it and you popped up. Just got a new subscriber.
@ericmarshall3857 2 жыл бұрын
Hey Clay just seen the season of ALONE that you were in on Netflix and just wanted to let you know our family was rooting for you all the way & upset our neighbors when we all shouted cause you one. That's what us Idaho folks are all about, NOT GIVING UP & GIVING OUR ALL!!! Sweet job in the win brother & awesome job in representing Idaho & true Idahoans!! Just thought we'd share the shout out!! Plus love your tutorials on KZfaq keep up the awesome work!!
@bobvedder2451 Жыл бұрын
Very nice!
@swimbait1 2 жыл бұрын
Nice looking bow
@muhammadgunduz7339 6 ай бұрын
I'm from Indonesia, thank's for share this awesome video.....🏹🇺🇲😍🇲🇨🙏
@johnthomas4577 2 жыл бұрын
Good Job!
@therelationshipmessenger-u6838 Жыл бұрын
Great video. Thank you.
@heinerbuck3934 4 ай бұрын
Thanks, that video helped so much
@veronikanemere1748 Жыл бұрын
Thanx for this video. Amazing, very good explanation.
@gabrielbay9739 2 жыл бұрын
Good video! Nice bow
@josephnaclerio9025 10 ай бұрын
Hi Clay. I came across your channel a few days ago from your 10 Hack 10 minutes and really liked it. It brought me to this video on bow building and I am now completely obsessed. I do a lot of carpentry work and love to work with wood. When I was kid I would go in my father's garage and sawcut pieces of lumber just because. lol. I really appreciate you sharing this knowledge and giving me yet another obsessive hobby to spend time and money on! Although, the way things seem to be changing in this great country, I feel this type of knowledge is going to be more of a necessity than a hobby. God Bless. Keep up the great work! Joe
@fulcrum789 2 жыл бұрын
Ill have to learn your spine definition I have been using 400 spine on the heavier bows 50 pounds and 500 spine on the 25 # for the kids. I also enjoyed this video. The heat treat is really something I will be doing as well as the backset jig. I want to try that. It took me a few days to watch the video as I have been working alot. Thanks for doing this video I really learn alot. Keep it up Clay. My kids are targeting the left over pumpkins. At 10 yards I am so proud of them.
@clarkansas6590 Жыл бұрын
Excellent
@toddmiller3387 2 жыл бұрын
That's a awesome bow...
@TheRealD-Mo Жыл бұрын
I've watched this video from beginning to end 4 times now. I've bought your book and I've made 3 bows because of you and today is the day I finally made one that didn't break on me. I finally made a recurve bow, 65lbs at 29 inches. And it's all thanks to you, so thank you very much for all you do Clay.
@clayhayeshunter Жыл бұрын
Awesome! Congrats
@TheRealD-Mo Жыл бұрын
@@clayhayeshunter Just posted a short video on it, didn't get all my photos I took of the entire process but that's okay haha
@TheRealD-Mo Жыл бұрын
I also took your advice and did not fire harden this one, did that on my very first one and it broke haha
@drewmorg. 3 ай бұрын
Archery is beautiful.
@TheMadsenmads 2 жыл бұрын
I'm on my third try. Hoppe some day make one beautiful as yours!
@patrickcollenot2736 Жыл бұрын
bonjours clay Hayes merci pour vos vidéos que je ne cesse de regarder vous faites des arc magnifique je chasse a l arc en France depuis 20 ans merci
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