How to Make a British Longbow

Making the Bowstave

• 1

  Draw the shape of the bow on the both the hickory or maple you are using for the outer layer of the bow. The bow should be in an elongated C-shape. The middle two-fourths of the C-shape should be straight and the fourths on either end of the bow should bend in about 40 degrees. The bow should measure 1820 mm long, 30 mm deep and 15 mm wide.

• 2

  Cut the bow shape out of the wood with the bandsaw.

• 3

  Trace the bow shape onto the wood you are using for the inner layer of your bow.

• 4

  Cut the bow shape out of the wood you are using for the backing by following the outline.

• 5

  File both pieces of wood so that the edges and sides are smooth. Leave some texture on the sides of the wood that will be touching each other.

• 6

  Paint a thick layer of glue on the textured side of the interior wood.

• 7

  Clamp the two pieces of wood together and let them dry overnight.

• 8

  File the bow to remove any excess glue or remaining splinters.

• 9

  Cut a notch in both the top and bottom ends of the bow, about 1 inch from the end.

• 10

  Tie a length of bowstring to the top of the bow, then stretch it down so that it is taut, and tie it around the bottom end.