I also use a power plane and grinder with a sanding disc to remove heavy wood. The grinder is great for quickly shaping the handles too. Love your videos Clay! Thanks for the great advice!
This was such a helpful video. Even though I have been making bows a few years and pretty sure I watched most of your bow building videos, I still learned something. Thank you for putting this one out.
this is a super helpful video. Thanks a bunch clay. I bought your book years ago when I started harvesting local Pacific yew. This video, along with your book is all I need to get started on my first yew self bow. Thanks again for a really detailed but concise instructional video!
@@seanbyham7838 he answered it in the video. Use something flexible like a pvc pipe and push it against pegs or something similar on either end, then trace the curve. I used two screws and a piece of composite trim on the side of a 2 x 6. For the screws/pegs, measure down on both ends how much reflex you want.
So, I made a homemade "draw-knife" when I first started. I took a 3"×3" scraper blade that you can find at any hardware store for under $5. I cut 2 1×2 blocks, put a notch/slit in both blocks just big enough to fit the scraper blade, and then put a little epoxy to hold the blade snug. It actually works great and I still use it even after I got a real draw-knife. The 2 other favorite tools I'd say would be a shinto rasp and a chisel. I use the side edge of the chisel instead of a cabinet scraper. Works like a charm!
Found your channel from watching Alone. I just saw the ending. Mad respect! You knowing to eat rabbit eyes was actually a credit to your knowledge imo. They're so lean, humans need fats eyes and brains, great source. And tbh, brains pretty tasty. Not going for shock. Definitely cook well! Cuz of parasites, but mainly diseases.
Ill be visiting 3 Rivers for the cabnet scraped set. I have been using utility blades cause that is what I had. Ill have to finish the jig I started and then got sidetracked with the Osage saplings I have growing. But after the weekend, taking the Family camping.
My first longbow of Yew was built by me using only a Swisschamp knife by Victornox, flat file and sandpaper. The knife has a saw and a screwdriver on it. I carefully cut into the stave every half inch to a controlled depth and then snapped out the chocks. Whittled it down and used the side of the knife as a scraper. As a softwood, with Yew, only this knife was possible. Instead of calipers I had sketched out width templates for every six inches and cut them out with the Swisschamp scissors.
Hey Clay, great content! You have inspired me to make my first traditional bow. I was wondering, what is your favorite source to purchase Osage staves?
I have built several wooden and fiberglass laminated bows over the past ten years. I would like to try the self now. So I have been watching several other bow builds thanks for sharing your Kraft
The only other thing I would suggest is a wooden mallet, you can make one yourself! I make mine from either manuka or kanuka, called me old fashioned but I was taught to use a wooden mallet for chisel work as a steel hammer head can damage your chisel handle..
Thanks Clay for a very informative video. I’m not having much luck on eBay Australia.I was just wondering what length blade is on your draw knife? I hope you, or someone can help me with this question. Thanks for the awesome content on all your selfbow videos, have a great day, and happy hunting 👍🏼
Which is better heat gun or steaming? Or is there a difference benefit or not? I am thinking heat gun is more like heating over a fire such as straightening arrows. Maybe heat gun adds a bit of heat tempering. Maybe steaming really gives a lot of flexibility to the wood to bend it. I know heating does too maybe from jellying the resins stuff in the wood.
What kind of vise do you use to hold the bow in while working on it? I’ve seen the one fro. Stave master but I don’t have that type of money. Would a regular bench vise work? Thanks
Hey folks, I didn't understand what Clay was explaining about the leather thing he made from an old glove.?.? Is it for the tillering rack? Sorry, I'm an enthusiast/novice at best.. I understood all the other tools and their uses, but didn't seem to get that one thing... He probably has a video on the very subject already, but I'd be lost looking for it.. Thanks for any help and God bless!👍👍
Hey Clay, I live in Canada and I'm wondering if I can make solid-wood bows from the following wood species: •Birch. •Cedar. •Pine. •maple. •poplar. •oak. •elm. If not solid wood, which of these could I laminate with fiberglass cloth and epoxy to make a somewhat durable bow?
The harder maples species will make a bow. Elm, if fire hardened, will make a good bow. Oak as well. I'm not sure about birch. The others, not so much.
Watching your videos throughout the years has inspired me to build a selfbow. I've just finished a fire hardened hickory selfbow a couple weeks ago. Been shooting it like crazy. Hoping to take a whitetail with it this fall!
Excellent collection! Thanks for this video
I also use a power plane and grinder with a sanding disc to remove heavy wood. The grinder is great for quickly shaping the handles too. Love your videos Clay! Thanks for the great advice!
Clay your a real gift for the traditional community, thanks for what you do, and give👍
Thanks much
Great video. As the weather warms up, I'm looking forward to getting back to the bow building.
Thanks for the demo of the tools you use.
Appreciate it.
👍👍
I love your explanations man! kudos!
There's so much useful information in this video. Thanks Clay!
This was such a helpful video. Even though I have been making bows a few years and pretty sure I watched most of your bow building videos, I still learned something. Thank you for putting this one out.
this is a super helpful video. Thanks a bunch clay. I bought your book years ago when I started harvesting local Pacific yew. This video, along with your book is all I need to get started on my first yew self bow. Thanks again for a really detailed but concise instructional video!
Have fun George
so awesome to see all these tricks to bow making you share with everyone. its so appreciated :)
Thanks Clay! I'm just about to build a back set jig and was wondering how to make the curve.
I have the same question.
@@seanbyham7838 he answered it in the video. Use something flexible like a pvc pipe and push it against pegs or something similar on either end, then trace the curve. I used two screws and a piece of composite trim on the side of a 2 x 6.
For the screws/pegs, measure down on both ends how much reflex you want.
So, I made a homemade "draw-knife" when I first started. I took a 3"×3" scraper blade that you can find at any hardware store for under $5. I cut 2 1×2 blocks, put a notch/slit in both blocks just big enough to fit the scraper blade, and then put a little epoxy to hold the blade snug. It actually works great and I still use it even after I got a real draw-knife. The 2 other favorite tools I'd say would be a shinto rasp and a chisel. I use the side edge of the chisel instead of a cabinet scraper. Works like a charm!
Very cool
Excellent instructional videos. Thank you very much !
Found your channel from watching Alone. I just saw the ending. Mad respect! You knowing to eat rabbit eyes was actually a credit to your knowledge imo. They're so lean, humans need fats eyes and brains, great source. And tbh, brains pretty tasty. Not going for shock. Definitely cook well! Cuz of parasites, but mainly diseases.
I purchased your book on AMAZON and it is much useful
Ill be visiting 3 Rivers for the cabnet scraped set. I have been using utility blades cause that is what I had. Ill have to finish the jig I started and then got sidetracked with the Osage saplings I have growing. But after the weekend, taking the Family camping.
have fun!
My first longbow of Yew was built by me using only a Swisschamp knife by Victornox, flat file and sandpaper.
The knife has a saw and a screwdriver on it. I carefully cut into the stave every half inch to a controlled depth and then snapped out the chocks. Whittled it down and used the side of the knife as a scraper. As a softwood, with Yew, only this knife was possible.
Instead of calipers I had sketched out width templates for every six inches and cut them out with the Swisschamp scissors.
Hoping to get my first deer with a self bow this fall. Always enjoy this vids.
good luck and have fun
Another awesome video
And now I know how to straighten my alder stave, thanks
I hope some day you will start selling some bows, I would love to have a bow made by you. Great video again lots of info
As long as I've been hunting trad I've never come up on your channel. Actually @Kashtuk sent me here!
Thanks for sharing your experience.
My pleasure!
Hey Cley, what are you using to get your drawknife sharp again? Awesome content!
Hey Clay, great content! You have inspired me to make my first traditional bow. I was wondering, what is your favorite source to purchase Osage staves?
I’ve never had to buy it. Just always cut my own.
You are rocking out content bud. I got my wife to watch your season of alone and now we both enjoy seeing you getting out with your kids and such.
Thanks Tyrell, we’re getting ready for another trip right now!
What do you call the thing you put the staves in while you are working the layers off with the draw knife? The big vise/horse lookin thing?
I have built several wooden and fiberglass laminated bows over the past ten years. I would like to try the self now. So I have been watching several other bow builds thanks for sharing your Kraft
Absolutely
The only other thing I would suggest is a wooden mallet, you can make one yourself! I make mine from either manuka or kanuka, called me old fashioned but I was taught to use a wooden mallet for chisel work as a steel hammer head can damage your chisel handle..
Master teacher sir Clay . Thanks
Thanks Clay for a very informative video. I’m not having much luck on eBay Australia.I was just wondering what length blade is on your draw knife? I hope you, or someone can help me with this question. Thanks for the awesome content on all your selfbow videos, have a great day, and happy hunting 👍🏼
3 Rivers in USA has a high quality draw knife or two, as some people want a smaller less aggressive knife as well.
My blade length is 10”
Which is better heat gun or steaming? Or is there a difference benefit or not? I am thinking heat gun is more like heating over a fire such as straightening arrows. Maybe heat gun adds a bit of heat tempering. Maybe steaming really gives a lot of flexibility to the wood to bend it. I know heating does too maybe from jellying the resins stuff in the wood.
Should be able to find most of the tools at Hall's hardware
Ohhh thank you a lot, pretty help me build my bow, especially in Indonesia hard to find a proper bow stave, Cheers 🍻🐾
What kind of vise do you use to hold the bow in while working on it? I’ve seen the one fro. Stave master but I don’t have that type of money. Would a regular bench vise work? Thanks
Any old 6” bench vice will work.
Does drawknife need have a curve? (In either of the 2 planes?)
Not necessarily
Kinda crazy you only have 147k subs...!
Thank you Sir
Hey folks, I didn't understand what Clay was explaining about the leather thing he made from an old glove.?.?
Is it for the tillering rack?
Sorry, I'm an enthusiast/novice at best..
I understood all the other tools and their uses, but didn't seem to get that one thing...
He probably has a video on the very subject already, but I'd be lost looking for it..
Thanks for any help and God bless!👍👍
It's a tillering string that's made similar to a bow stringer.
Exactly!
Hey Clay, I live in Canada and I'm wondering if I can make solid-wood bows from the following wood species:
•Birch. •Cedar.
•Pine. •maple.
•poplar. •oak. •elm.
If not solid wood, which of these could I laminate with fiberglass cloth and epoxy to make a somewhat durable bow?
The harder maples species will make a bow. Elm, if fire hardened, will make a good bow. Oak as well. I'm not sure about birch. The others, not so much.
Would you ever sell one of your bows? I am interested.
Do you sell bows by any chance??
Not at this time
He should though right!?
Gostaria de ter um arco igual o seu!!!
Watching your videos throughout the years has inspired me to build a selfbow. I've just finished a fire hardened hickory selfbow a couple weeks ago. Been shooting it like crazy. Hoping to take a whitetail with it this fall!
Heck yeah!
Awww yeah this interest me.
If you're not confident in using a hammer and chisel to remove the fade out material I'd add a coping saw to the list.
good suggestion
do you sell bows & how much $$$ are your 55lbs. Osage bows ???
Not at this time
How ‘bout I just buy one from you?
Not selling them at this time
When you said a simple toolkit I was like.... Yeah... I know.... Made my first with a pocket knife.... Was 2 months ago🤣
MM’s ? What?
Hola clay muy buena tu charla , se me ha echo difícil y no e podido conseguir osage Orange aquí le decimos árbol de toronjas saludos
Agiah ciek tek
I used to make bows with an axe and glass shards as scrapers.... Took me so moch time 🤦♂️
Yep
If you have to ask how to make the backset forms, you should not be making a bow.