Building a Bamboo Backed Ipe Longbow - Start to Finish

[@michelcarvalho5202]

I've lost count of how many times I've watched this video! I'm building my bow Bamboo Backed Ipe and every stage I finish, I come back here to watch some more! Thanks Clay!!!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad I could help!

[@LimitlessSimpleton]

How did it turn out? Did you get the kit froms 3 rivers?

[@jobobcowman5155]

It’s people like you that show true artistry. Hand crafting works of art is dying and I just want to say thank you for keeping it alive. That’s a piece that can be cherished for generations

[@cavelvlan25]

I believe you have mastered this craft. I myself am a huge fan making one of a kind pieces. knives bows tools etc. I have followed you for awhile and I know one can never truely "master" anything. Regardless you are hands down one of the best artisans and bowmen to touch a set of tools. Top shelf - knob creek to Jim bean - a Marlboro red to usa gold - homemade tomato wine to maddog. I tip my hat and pay my respects as you are one hell of a craftsman. Whoever spend there time guiding you is damn proud bet your ass.

[@diy-hyrum9842]

This is my favorite bow materials to build with! Ipe and bamboo are a match made in heaven!

[@SAS-R2]

I am new to traditional Archery and I recently made a bow from a wild walnut tree after watching your videos and caught a small jungle deer last summer ✌ I never knew that watching Bow making video on KZbin can be more addictive then Web series Keep that great work Going

[@clayhayeshunter]

Awesome! I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@cavelvlan25]

Curious on this walnut bow? Care to share details? All walnut? Sapwood? Draw Weight? Aging of wood? Backing? Anything you would share. I had one about half done that was sapwood with the actual still attached hardwood as the riser. Read it simply wouldn't work so sloppily finished just to shoot it and broke it being stupid and impatient. Seriously interested tho because if it can be done I'm gonna redo it haha.

[@SAS-R2]

@@cavelvlan25Sorry that I got to reply after a year I guess the wild walnut which I used was around 70 to 80 year old wild tropical walnut species. I let it dry for a year after cutting and when the bow was done the draw weight was 40 lbs. From my experience that bow was 'Okey' but not 'great' and there was reduction of poundage with the passage of time For this winter I have made a bow form wild pear backed with bamboo which is way better than walnut bow. Due to tropical climate of Northeast india (were I belong) I do bow hunting only in winter (November to january) and people find it funny when i bring my self made bows for hunting instead of rifles.

[@cavelvlan25]

@SAS-R2 Better later than never. I appreciate your response. I attempted a Osage bow and broke it in the tillerimg process I hope to find time this winter to attempt a new self bow. Super cool that you claimed a deer with your bow.

[@SAS-R2]

@@cavelvlan25 Same thing..I broke two times while tillering. It is the hardest part of bow making. I believe that you wouldn't break it next time. I have never seen or work on an Osage wood i bet it's fun to work on it.

[@jadersaid50]

there are many artisans in the United States that TV network follows them. but these media are losing you brother. congratulations brother you are the best. Jesus bless you always in your life.

[@clayhayeshunter]

many thanks

[@davetomlinson4131]

Thanks Clay. You are an excellent teacher for both young and old I watch your videos over and learn a little bit more each Time. Thanks again

[@giacomopolloni6107]

Sei un artista bravo....

[@robertreid303]

@@clayhayeshunter what can I use on the back of thebow staves when I m putting it up to dry , clean it and get it ready to hang besides wood glue I’m trying to find an alternative besides were glue

[@kp.co.6074]

Glad to see your still making bow build videos. That’s how I first found your Chanel, made it extra cool when I saw ya on Alone. I gotta get my lazy butt back in the shop and start breaking bows again. I got a tri-lam bow with bamboo, oak core and Osage belly I’ve had laying around for years that I need to finish. Keep it up bud.

[@hillbilly4christ638]

Out of all the bows you have made I like this one the best. They all are great bows, but I am partial to longbows and this composite bow really shines.

[@JKWavvy]

Clay really has inspired and taught me more than any other KZbin channel! I think a basic traditional wooden bow has the most appeal to me, but seeing Clay branch out with new ideas has been fascinating. I would love to see Clay build some kind of Osage bow similar to Dave Meads style of multi-part siyah horse bows.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks, I'll check out Dave's stuff.

[@andrewlast1535]

So bittersweet watching this build. My Grandfather gave me his bow, very similar to this build, when I was 10. I’m guessing his was built in the late 60’s early 70’s? Wish I still had it.

[@DM-sq3jm]

I really like your osage and snakey bow builds. However, I love this build most of all! Your work inspires people from all around the world. Thank you for sharing this with us. Happy New Year!

[@bigfoot8514]

I am blown away by the craftsmanship. I have bow envy, so now i want to start the journey of making my own bows. Excellent video clay!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Go for it!

[@stevearttus8164]

I've never seen anyone burn their string notch before, or use an abrasive hacksaw blade to cut the string groove. Excellent! I also like how you draw the bow with your eyes closed to concentrate on the feel of the draw weight. I built a laminated recurve in high school shop class back before weapons at school was an issue. I will build a long bow one of these days. As a carpenter, the older you get, the more you enjoy the process and a quality outcome over fast paced production. It's soothing somehow.

[@THEFALCON58]

Hi, I am a recurve/horse bow/compound bow archer in Western Australia for many years nice work.😎

[@17yearoldwarbowarcher]

im a warbow archer and?

[@hiells]

@@17yearoldwarbowarcher and???

[@17yearoldwarbowarcher]

@@hiells and?

[@17yearoldwarbowarcher]

@@hiells and?

[@rudamchu]

​@@17yearoldwarbowarcherand ... you showed why your handle is appropriate

[@RealCanadanMan]

DUUUDE, that bike tire inner tube trick is GENIUS, I will 100% be using that in my arsenal of gluing clamps.

[@Swamp-Fox]

I pick up something new every time you do a bow build! Thanks for sharing!!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Happy to help

[@J2.D2.3CPO]

Man your videos are mesmerizing. You're like a master craftsman as a baseline and LEVELS & LEVELS beyond that! Holy cowabunga sir! Please be my dad.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks J

[@hanhutton]

I love these bow building videos! I’d really like to hear you talk more about the bow at the end, how it feels to shoot etc.

[@clayhayeshunter]

I'll give some thoughts on the next one.

[@BuffaloWill]

I enjoy both, talking through, and just showing the work/craft.

[@stevedriscoll2539]

No, the one "very nice" in the english accent was perfect!

[@markh9981]

Pretty nice Bow...... You are good at building them as well as shooting and hunting. America used to show and take pride in it's work just as it shows you do. It becomes a way of life, I know this because I lived the same lifestyle my entire life. Thank you for your time and knowledge. Nice videos.🙏✌️⛈️⚡

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Mark

[@singlestringstruggler1988]

I built my first bow a couple months ago and used ipe and bamboo. Heavy draw but shoots good and is quiet. Can’t wait to take something with it

[@clayhayeshunter]

Good luck

[@antlerzflintfinder268]

Clay you can make a bow out of anything! Awesome to watch how far you've come with your passion. I am a new Bowyer but the more I watch your videos the more confident I become moving forward.

[@clayhayeshunter]

I appreciate that!

[@billyturk8117]

This came out amazing! Your builds have really inspired me to give bow building a shot.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Go for it

[@tommybarrios3307]

Amazing job Clay, Your craftsmanship and attention to detail, has inspired many of us, myself for sure, to get back in the shop. Thanks for sharing.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Tommy

[@Frater_Maven]

Dude . . . The way he carved the riser fade outs, arrow shelf and sight window was the most precision chiseling I've ever seen. also thanks for showing your "branded string knoc" technique. Lol I've always just cut em in with a round chainsaw file followed by some rolled up sand paper to smooth out any tool marks and take the string cutting sharpness out of the corners. Im def gonna give the hot brand technique a try sometime

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks 👍

[@adamroberts57]

Never thought about tillering the bamboo before the glue up. Genius!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Works great

[@wasnt.here.3853]

I do love the videos done without commentary - peaceful to just see the work. If there's any commentary you'd like to add without changing that, you can put it as subtitles to play in sync with whichever part you're working on.

[@micahprice2807]

I’ve been thinking of this design in my head for two years… what a lovely lovely build!

[@mohunter68]

Probably nobody better at building self bows than Clay Hayes. I've made several myself and it takes so much time and commitment to get it perfect. It's more of a struggle to get everything perfect. If you don't, you will scrap more than you create to get it right.

[@scgator7434]

Love watching your videos. It doesn't matter if you're hunting, building bows or showing off your land you can tell you're doing what you love to do plus you have an awesome family that supports you! I respect you even more when saw the Gator tag hanging on your barn door 😃🐊🐊Go Gators!!

[@clayhayeshunter]

That’s where I got my bachelors degree 😉

[@shinobi9419]

Soy carpintero y aun no entiendo como hay personas que quieren los trabajos baratos incluso te dicen muy caro , mas no san el gran trabajo y detalle y dedicación que uno emplea para hacer lo mejor, e aqui un ejemplo de destreza tiempo dedicación y mucho talento, excelente trabajo amigo mis respeto, no descarto hacer mi propio arco algun dia, excelente video.

[@jazapercival4379]

Thanks soo much for another video on bow making clay, really helps me as i am a new bow builder that learn everything about it from you

[@darrellhoekstra8514]

Free-hand is such an under-rated table saw technique. What a great video keep up the good work man.

[@stevedriscoll2539]

Yeah, and as long as one stays just terrified enough to not have a serious accident

[@darrellhoekstra8514]

It's the same as when you're using a fence. Respect that tablesaws can wreck you, stay focused... in my estimation operating one while terrified will probably result in terrible technique (think timidity) and increase the chances of things ending badly. Respect and focus are the key.

[@Handirifle]

I have built many board bows, but I ALWAYS learn from watching others. I really liked the saw you used to cut the string groove. I had never before seen the tip of burning in the groove. Nice touch. I have a strip of bamboo in my shop, that I have had for years, waiting for a bamboo backed bow.

[@dustinpaul8968]

Man that is a functional work of art. Great job.

[@greenlineproduction.chande8228]

man I must say...it is world higher class bow love your work man

[@asdlkfjhfadslkh]

That boo/ipe is a great combo. Was my hunting bow until a limb blew up on me last season. Picked up some tricks from this video I will definitely use on my next build. Also, I need a belt sander!

[@BOWADDICTRDX]

Very down to earth approach... hat's off to you.

[@martarmis]

Kramer Ammons builds awesome bamboo backed Ipe bows. I saw him building those many times and he does it extremely well. But the handle and these tip overlays makes this one you built a 11 on 10 and unique one. Also, the building process you are showing makes it look easy. You are showing extremely helpful techniques in this video. Very good job as always Clay.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Many thanks

[@jake4194]

Kramer leaves too much wood on his handles, makes it look unfinished.

[@martarmis]

Hmm, yes maybe. I know the most mass you have on the handle the less hand shock you get when shooting. I'm guessing that's also part of the reason.

[@retiredafce3373]

I really appreciate your work, skill and attitude! Great channel

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks

[@captjjamey]

Beautiful bow love watching your videos and learning things thanks for all you do

[@ctxarchery4082]

What a beautiful bow! Makes me glad I chose ipe for my next bow!

[@devinbooth609]

Wow, that's beautiful bow... Ipe is an incredible wood

[@clayhayeshunter]

I think so too!

[@MidnightMaker]

Well, this is certainly not a table saw safety video... HA!!! Great build. Love all your stuff...

[@codyowens755]

Gorgeous bow. Beautiful craftsmanship. You should talk a little about what the bow can do after one if your builds (poundage and efficiency) just for curious people like me who don’t have much experience. Awesome stuff either way!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Noted!

[@simonheller5657]

Ipe and bamboo really work together! My current bow has the same woods, and the colours are just incredible. I'd be really interested in seeing the speed you get out of that design! Those curves are really elegant.

[@supermatt25]

Oktibbeha County Mississippi? I spent some time there myself. Great video from a true master bowyer. Amazing work

[@clayhayeshunter]

Yup😉

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

That's a sweet stick Clay 🏹👍🏻 I liked the idea of stringing the bamboo to back sand . Those tips are awesome Great video

[@clayhayeshunter]

Yeah, that kind or pre tillers the bamboo. Works great.

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

@@clayhayeshunter I get it 👍🏻

[@leevespa4564]

Mate...that is such a handsome looking bow....well done

[@joelgraber7862]

Now that’s a thing of beauty! Nice work Clay! 👍

[@samhiss6807]

Thanks for sharing your wisdom. I hope to make one. Funny, your sander sounds exactly like mine! Same squeaks & works great! God bless

[@goodsonsadventures4529]

Try using a round file cutting into your shelf a little shape like your arrow sets into the shelf and your arrow will fit a hair closer to center wonder if you ever tried that your the best self bow builder I've seen inspired me to try my own allot to learn for me but been fun thank you

[@davidtan4343]

Such beautiful handwork. Beautiful bow.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thank you very much!

[@davidtan4343]

@@clayhayeshunter Really enjoy all your videos but have always been a silent follower. Archery schools and practically everyone only teach Olympic style shooting in my country. I love traditional bare bow and so had to learn on my own. Your channel has thought me a lot. Thank you for that.

[@thomasmoon770]

Absolutely beautiful bow tho and those two materials ought to last forever . Love your videos bud and thank you

[@jumperzee9161]

Great build Clay. Your simple approach is inspiring. You made me wince a few time on that table saw though! That chisel work on the shelf is pure confidence! Great looking bow, thanks for sharing!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks much

[@briargoatkilla]

Had 2 bamboo backed bows over the years. They both developed bad hinging just passed the handles on both limbs after a couple hundred shots...different makers. So, I gave up on 'em. They look cool, though!

[@clayhayeshunter]

There's a lot of stress there. Must have just been an issue with the original tiller.

[@AnonYmous-ii4tc]

Beautiful video production, Clay. Nice views, angles and timing. Great bow build.

[@AnonYmous-ii4tc]

I made a hickory backed Ipe bow a few years ago. That grain can be tough to deal with using a draw knife. Nearly 1,000 arrows later it still shoots well. I learned from your earlier tutorials. Thanks for that. It’s a skill I’ll always have. My current bow project is a fire hardened hickory that I felled & split myself.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Very cool! Hickory is great 👍

[@cngameygamez]

Truly, a beautiful job.

[@tbcoachniblick1208]

One of your best videos... if not the best on bow building...!!👍🇺🇸

[@lobopropredatorcontrol]

Think this is the first time I've seen you build a laminated bow, same great result it's a beauty

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks, I did a bamboo backed Osage a while back.

[@bob45663]

Always enjoy watching your videos, I learn a lot from you.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Bob

[@threeriversforge1997]

Very nice! I've got a slew of bamboo, some as much as 4" in diameter, and have always wanted to use it to back a bow.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Go for it

[@SeaReverie]

I’d like to see a video of you building your maker’s mark. Similar to a blacksmiths touchmark. I’d also suggest some kind of branding iron. I can see some great shot sequences of you thinking about what I looks like, sketching it, building it. Heating it up and trying it, tweeting. And then it’s just right. These bows you make are one of a kind masterpieces! They deserve your good name. One tradesmen to another, please sign your work.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Good suggestions

[@venkateshshenoy3387]

love this bow, awesome vlog

[@Simonious1]

Very enjoyable to watch, nice work Clay.

[@Philip_Corley]

looks like one of your best bows yet!

[@zacharyheard]

I can't use saranwrap even if my hands aren't covered in epoxy, you're amazing!

[@HUN-92]

Master work MR 😎🏆💪👌🏻🏹

[@daniel44187]

well paced video. An enjoyable watch. Thinking I was in your neck of the woods this summer dropping south off hoodoo and following the Clearwater during that crazy July 4th hailstorm this year. Love the freehand table sawing.

[@clayhayeshunter]

That’s cool country!

[@bryonguenther6199]

You are the man Clay!! Beautiful work!!

[@hughswanzy8871]

Beautiful Bow! Enjoyed! Thanks for Sharing!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Hugh

[@danielsimpson2494]

Love your videos, always great content, you were great on ALONE, congrats bro.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks

[@morganthomson6945]

Incredibly beautiful! I love it!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thank you so much!

[@thomasherrington5521]

Love it! I just made my first self bow from red oak. I want to make a board bow next. Thanks for the inspiration and information 😎

[@peterwelthy1253]

Red Oak will fret.

[@peterwelthy1253]

I ' ve made bows of yew, Osage, and many other woods... But whut the heck is Ipe? I've never heard of it.

[@777whyhell]

Thats a Bad ass bow great Job

[@lucianwichmann6514]

Great work, I build a longbow like that aswell. Love the smell of the Ipe wood:⁠-⁠) Keep it up

[@jefflavenau]

I love this and have nothing but respect for Clay, but goodness, someone get this man a bandsaw for real haha

[@ARCHERY_news_2000]

Nice work, Love this. My Idol, Bow maker 👍👍👍

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thank you very much!

[@eronalcantaraoficial3098]

Seus vídeo são realmente um curso. Vc da um show mestre Clay . Parabéns

[@manuelwebe]

Gorgeous bow Clay! Thanks for sharing.

[@ernestoramoscruz73]

You are amazing good working the wood 👍🏆🏆

[@robinradema1]

Please be carefull with kickback. I get ptsd watching you make some of those cuts. 😅 Investing in a small bandsaw might be a good idea. Love your videos. I just ordered a drawknife because of you.

[@socio69elrey]

I want to know the measure exactly that you use to mate the bow,please

[@homspie]

its so beautiful and slick looking

[@raven322]

Nice !! this bow is a beauty Clay!

[@kishkintai]

Awesome craftsmanship and video. No words are needed for understanding the build. Clay, have you ever tried building all bamboo, or a tempered bamboo belly bow?

[@FellsApprentice]

What inspires these bows? Do you build a different one for each hunting season? You obviously build them for your kids. Do you build them under commission? Or is it just the curiosity to see if it can be done? If it's the last, I wonder if it's possible to make a Holly bow for the holiday season.

[@edwardglubin4354]

You should do a video ab the fovorite bows you made what you like ab them and what you could do better cause I see you use that hickory bows in all your hunting video wondering what separates a hunting bow from a project

[@65streetfighter]

Superb looking bow!

[@turboprickle]

Unbelievable craftsmanship

[@kisavracar]

Great bow, and another great video.

[@tonynieto6660]

I am a lose for words! Amazing!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Tony

[@NC-bs6yi]

Job well done. it's hard to shrink down a bbuild like that into a small video,there's a lot more that goes into it than people think. Love you brother

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thank ya

[@Itchy1958]

Nice job and thank you. Question: my bow is almost identical to yours except I have some twist in a limb. Can I use dry heat in a small area above handle to twist limb back. I’m worried about the heat on the ES-40 and separation.

[@miroslavilles]

TOP! Wonderful work, man 👌

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks a lot!

[@meteor177]

Wow,really nice lines, that one

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@davidhuth5659]

Really beautiful bow and well crafter for sure!!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks so much 😊

[@riggs169]

wow. magnificent work, clay.

[@dbspe1961]

A 100% custom bow, perfect job.

[@un-gunnedoutdoors8591]

That’s a beautiful bow clay!!

[@DironMc]

What an awsome bow!!