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How to Make a Flat Longbow

Archery is enjoyed as a sport and for hunting. Although high-tech bows exist for each purpose, one can still make a functional flat longbow with minimal supplies. Several types of wood are good for the purpose: tropical lemonwood is excellent because the grain does not need to be considered. California yew and Osage orange require seasoning before work can begin. Pignut hickory is a popular choice because of its flexibility and high tensile strength. Choose wood that has no knots or imperfections that cause cracks. The bark is left on the outer curve of the bow for added strength.

Things You'll Need

6-foot length of knot-free pignut hickory, or other wood, with bark still attached
Sharp knife
Thin hide or animal skins
Hide glue
Bow finish
Bow string
Tillering board
Bathroom scale

Instructions

- 1
  Shave the bark from the inner side of the bow with the knife. Leave bark on the outer curve of the bow.
- 2
  Whittle the bow until it is 1/3-inch thick and 3/8-inch wide. Trim the length of the bow to about 63 inches.
- 3
  Mark the bow where the arrow will rest and where your hand will hold the bow.
- 4
  Using the knife, taper each end of the bow. This will allow the bow to bend.
- 5
  Start at the top of the bow and wind hide or animal skins around the bow. Use hide glue to secure the skins to the bow. Allow the glue to dry completely. Apply bow finish.
- 6
  Cut notches at the top and bottom of the bow. Braid three lengths of bow string together. Fit the braided string into the notches at the top and bottom of the bow and tie in place.
- 7
  Tiller the bow (check the evenness of the bow's bending) by placing it on a tillering board and pulling back against a bathroom scale. The bow may need to be tillered several times to maintain the correct draw weight.

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