Make a Bow from Green Wood

Think that a hardwood bow is too hard to make? Want to make a bow that is simple, durable, and is almost as accurate as a store bought bow? Well here's an easy way to make one with common garden tools that will last a long time.

Steps

  1. Find a tree with a branch that is 1- 1/12 inches thick. Be sure that it is reasonably straight, without any major bends besides a slight curve in one direction. Preferably Pine wood.
  2. Cut down the branch with plant cutters, a hatchet, or saw.
  3. Use the cutters, or other tool, to cut off the small branches, and the very thin end of the stick.
  4. Take the bark off the branch using the multi-tool. If you are using pine, do not take it off because it will dry out and snap at the handle. The less sap the branch has, the faster you need to work. A good point of reference: if it starts to turn brown like an apple, stop taking off the bark , move on to step 5, and then get rid of the rest of the bark. If the wood dries out before it is strung, then it cannot be used. Also, always start at the point where you plan to line your arrow up at, because the smoother the wood by the arrow, the better the shot.
  5. Make a slipknot on the end of the string, and put it around the thickest end, wrapping the excess string around the knot to ensure it stays on. Make a slipknot about {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} from the top of the bow, and bend the branch until the knot is over the end. VOILA! You're done!



Tips

  • Cut the bark off the branch in long strokes. Attempting to slap at the bark too quickly will cause the bow to snap when drawn.
  • Pine is an excellent wood to start with, though Yew, if you can find it, has the best flex.
  • Make sure the wood isn't too thick for the intended user to hold and shoot.
  • For wood that has a lot of sap, use heavy duty soap, or an SOS pad to get rid of the stickiness.
  • If you use real arrows (store bought), remove the tips, or simply don't buy any, as they are usually sold separately.

Warnings

  • These bows take time to get used to and are not normally as accurate as compound bows or other store bought bows, so please be careful and take some practice shots to get the feel of the bow's aiming, especially if you are giving the bow to someone else to use.
  • If the bow should break, the wood should most likely break above where you are holding the bow, harmlessly falling apart. Should you hear a crack, unstring the bow and get rid of it, as the inside may be damaged. However, if there should be visible cracks use your own discretion about whether you should use it.
  • These bows are WEAPONS. Treat them as such, and keep in mind that if they can penetrate a target, they can go through a bystander too.
  • Be careful when you aim. always draw the bowstring towards the ground or at the target, never off to the side, or at a person; one slip and goodbye to whatever you are pointing at.
  • Be careful when using the knife, and cutters as they can easily harm you if you are distracted.
  • Avoid shooting this bow when children are around, and get parental supervision if you are under ten. Parents PLEASE use your own discretion.

Things You'll Need

  • Spiral wound twine, rope, or string
  • Large, two handed garden plant cutters
  • A multi-tool or pocket knife
  • Arrows, either home made or store bought, the longer the arrows the better they usually work.
  • Knowledge of how to make a slipknot

Related Articles

  • Prepare a Wood Stave for Making a Bow
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