Self Bow Building for Beginners - Complete Guide

In this step by step bow making video, Clay Hayes takes you, step by step, through how to make a hickory self bow from self bow design through tillering and finally shooting our new longbow. It is a complete guide, DIY self bow building for beginners. We start with a small hickory bow stave and use very few bow building tools to make this wooden bow. These techniques will work to build bows in the recurve bow, longbow, and flatbow designs. For this build we'll use a drawknife and farrier's rasp for the bulk of the work. We start by using the drawknife to remove the bark and cambium form the bow stave, then use a chalk line to mark center. We lay out a 64" longbow and rough it out before starting to tiller the bow. Before the final tillering, we clamp the selfbow to a form and heat treat the belly to harden it and make a more efficient weapon.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
09:40 Bow Building Tools
10:53 Self Bow Design and Layout
18:29 Roughing the bow out
20:40 Cutting the fades
43:53 Floor Tillering
46:46 Heat Treating
52:22 Tillering
01:18:38 Handle and arrow shelf
01:25:00 Shooting
Some other videos that complement this one:
How to tie string nocks: • Tie on STRING NOCKS
Choosing arrows: • How to choose the BEST...
Tuning for perfect arrow flight: • Tuning a Recurve, long...
Finish Work: • SELF BOW Building - Sa...
Don't forget to subscribe to the channel. We're uploading a new video each week that features one of the following topics: archery, bow hunting, bow building, survival skills, bushcraft, self reliance, primitive skills, primitive bows, hunting, camping, fishing, and a lot more!
Big thanks to our partners who help support these videos!
Backpacks - kifaru.net/
Archery Gear - www.3riversarchery.com/
Tents & Tarps - seekoutside.com
Binoculars - www.vortexoptics.com
Broadheads - siriusarchery.com/tuffhead-home/
Arrow Shafts - surewoodshafts.com/
Clothing - www.firstlite.com/
You can also connect with me on my other media outlets!
Website: www.twistedstave.com/
Facebook: / clayhayeshunter
Instagram: / clayhayeshunter
Patreon: / clayhayes

[@maxcorder2211]

40 years ago I was deer hunting in South Georgia. A couple of guys showed up to bow hunt. Every piece of equipment and clothing they had; bows (Osage), arrows, arrow heads, bowstring, quiver, knives, pants, shirts & boots were personally hand made of natural materials. I was impressed.

[@xochitlahuia]

that’s how it should be 😌

[@maxcorder2211]

@@calebtedford6779 I can't say for sure. They were at the house early in the morning and I didn't see them again.

[@kurshkolo4701]

The same happend to me too but in red dead redemption 2

[@cvspvr]

​@@maxcorder2211you didn't see them again because they built their own house by hand

[@gitawithay]

They sound like people I’d like to know.

[@darkclouda320]

You are a true artist. A beautiful mastery of simple hand tools.

[@crazybotanist3961]

When people come to KZbin trying to learn how to do something, this is the type of video they’re looking for.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad you like it

[@mightyporky]

Nice bow, I envy you in that you are able to do these bows. As a young boy in Tennessee, I used to make hickory bows. The saplings made an excellent bow for me. Shooting into the sky, I lost sight of the arrow. No danger hitting anything there as there was nothing to hit. An arrow was a weed that was straight with a hollow all the way through it. I used clothes hangers for tips as one fit in that white stuff in the hollow spot. Targets were trees and that arrow would stick in just fine. That was around 65 years ago, I miss that......

[@_neoneagle_8864]

I'm 21 but did the SE think as a little kid I believe you are referring to horse weed for the arrows it's like styrofoam in the middle very fun

[@herweirdoo0904]

What a legend ! mans really out here giving out a entire book worth of knowledge in a single video.

[@seung-geelhong1689]

Best tutorial video I've ever seen on bow-building. He explained everything step-by-step with easy-to-understand instructions. Wonderful video!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks

[@HistoricalWeapons]

awesome guide!

[@thefeatheredfrontiersman8135]

When are you going to start tillering and building bows? Id love to see how more of those crazy eastern ones are made!

[@LeperKing1174]

Definitely one the most golden content here on KZbin! We should get more useful content like this! thank you sir for this 🙏

[@sevensfist_com]

Watching this video not only gave me the know how, but also the confidence to want to self build, Cheers Clay!🍺🤠👍

[@teddywilliamson3547]

A few minutes in and I was like this dude is famous. It's awesome you are doing what you love. Blessings to you and your family.

[@maxc4747]

Sharing free valuable knowledge like this commands respect. Thank you for this :)

[@donsimons9810]

I watched this just so I understand a bow better, but now I want to make one with my kids when they’re older. Congrats on your channel, it’s impressive and substantial!

[@crabmansteve6844]

Between you and Dan Santana I feel as prepared as its possible to be to make my first bow. Thanks for your time and your knowledge!

[@TheFirstVivid]

Did ya do it?

[@jesslanders1700]

Great video! This caveman is happy. Now making my first bow. I am now making my first hickory bow. Respect and gratitude. Thank you.

[@tradbowyer1975]

your amazing! I never get tired of watching pro's build bows it turned out awesome great video thank you

[@les3449]

At 23:14 and 23:29 you show this build was live and unedited. I like that, shows what can go wrong and you're not phased.

[@litesimpson9736]

Lovely to see how you build the bow with just a handfull of tools. I like that you know what you are talking about. Thanks for sharing!

[@arkansasnative4974]

I've watched this video so many times. You make it look so easy.

[@ammoboxgrillin7345]

Loved this video. New to the sport but I’m a trades person, and your passion for the old school is very cool. Really enjoyed this video

[@mahmoudghasemi2998]

خیلی لذت بردم،انسان خوب Magical ❤❤❤

[@smittyslabs]

I should have watched this video before I started making my 1st self bow. Made the whole bow with an axe and a knife. That was a LOT of work. Time to improve on it and make another.

[@drohegda]

Clay Thank You so much, what a great feeling to work at something, put in the time, creating something it must give you a great sense of Satisfaction, and passing it on to other, Good Man Clay excellent video. Thanks Again.

[@markdavies6990]

Clay watched a lot of your back catalog. Man you’re an awesome teacher! Thanks and keep up the great work.

[@clayhayeshunter]

I appreciate that!

[@Oriares]

Excellent tutorial man, I made my first ever wood bow thanks to you. It came out a little light but it shoots and hasn't broken yet xd. Thank you man and happy new year!

[@brockarcher3857]

Has it broken since? Need advice I’m scared to break one

[@sherwinpalacio3227]

Love your bow build videos🙂

[@georgyekimov9727]

I thank God that there is such a magnificent guide in the world!!! I have been learning from your videos for a year. I have not enough free time and not enough space for shop, but I have already made 3 flatbows (2 hazel and 1 ash) and work on white oak longbow... Unfortunately, I don't have possibility to buy your book. but when I can, I will definitely buy it. Thank you so much for your altruism, for your knowledge, for your inspiration!!!

[@ericmarshall3857]

Hey Clay just seen the season of ALONE that you were in on Netflix and just wanted to let you know our family was rooting for you all the way & upset our neighbors when we all shouted cause you one. That's what us Idaho folks are all about, NOT GIVING UP & GIVING OUR ALL!!! Sweet job in the win brother & awesome job in representing Idaho & true Idahoans!! Just thought we'd share the shout out!! Plus love your tutorials on KZbin keep up the awesome work!!

[@WayneTheSeine]

Man, if they would have had internet when I was younger. Amazing job young man. I like your nocks so much better than most I see on videos. It makes sense they would help take some of the vibrations out and they just look so much more refined. I can tell you take great pride in your work....it shows. Thanks for sharing.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Wayne

[@arasul]

Clay, this is probably the only video from the myriad that I have seen that really tells everything a beginner might want to know to start building a self bow. You are amazing, you are a good tutor, kudos to you. It was indeed a pleasure to watch this video. I now feel confident I can start making a self bow.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks

[@cuntpunter35]

Thanks for putting in the time on this, Clay. That was an excellent tutorial on tillering. You kept it simple, and stressed the important aspects just right.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Matthew

[@Invalid-user825]

@@clayhayeshunter que não dá no MEU celular ☠️🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠

[@kainazar_live]

​@@Invalid-user825 я вам

[@eddy4112]

Clay, I think this video and the one that follows this one (Fire Hardening) are the two best "how to" videos you have ever done. Your explanations are concise, yet well explained. Your willingness to try something new, not know what the results may be, frees many of us neophytes up to experiment and learn. I sincerely believe these to be two of the best bow videos I have ever seen. Funny how 100 days "alone" causes someone to start thinking straight ;-)

[@clayhayeshunter]

👍

[@Onion_of_Ultimate_Concern]

I've been alone for years so I must think straighter than anyone.

[@TheFirstVivid]

@@Onion_of_Ultimate_Concern this deserves some love good one

[@james-heatherbailey5530]

I agree!

[@serb1anarcher306]

I freaking love you man, you are such an inspiration to me, but not in a way of making bows, but in a way of overcoming my anxiety and panic attacks. Thank you

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad to help Boba

[@fionabender1882]

Thanks Clay , this has gotta be the best single Bow building video on KZbin, the tillering section in particular has been very helpful

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad it helped

[@magnushomestead3824]

So glad to find this instruction video!! As a beginner bowyer I appreciate the detailed explanations showing every thing needed from the layout to the finished bow in clear step by step instructions. I feel confidant I will be able to produce a quality bow on my first go. I've built a few skin on frame kayaks and so am familiar with bending and working wood so I can relate your teachings to experience. THANK YOU CLAY! I will be checking out your other videos. The best I've come across!! Best Wishes for this New Year!

[@davecolborn2665]

My wife and i just finished the 8th season of Alone. Congrats. I'm sure they portray you and all characters how it benefits the show, but you carried yourself well and looked like you could have kept going. Always nice to see competitors who are still healthy enough to continue both mentally and physically. It's getting chilly and i was looking for a project bigger than a spoon. This suits my needs and seems clear, concise and a good lead in to your other videos. Thank you.

[@matthewlentz6008]

I always wanted to do this but when I do I want it to be done rite with confidence. Very spot on informative and helpful hints and you flip your tools. So you got my trust and looking forward to making my first bow. Thank you so much looking forward to being your other videos.

[@christinenorriss9675]

That was an excellent tutorial Clay, I agree with many other comments, possibly one of your best..I have learnt so much more from this video, for example, the way you kept the limbs the same thickness from handle to tips, I had been making mine a certain thickness at handle then tapering out to thinner at tips, anyway, thats one thing I really picked up on! This will be my go to tutorial for some time I think! Thanks so much..

[@henchman_ben3725]

I just got your book the other day, and was thinking about how a person makes a bow, so I youtubed it and you popped up. Just got a new subscriber.

[@roberttown2816]

Wow what a video, I have all the tools you used and a love for working with wood plus shooting. I look forward to watching this back whilst making a bow of my own, Much respect from the UK

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Robert

[@veronikanemere1748]

Thanx for this video. Amazing, very good explanation.

[@sling-it5304]

I'm looking at making my first bow so im searching the web for as much information and this video is great thank you

[@mellemelle66]

Amazing! thank you for making this video. I am new to bow building, I just done 4 bows this far, and all of them are very weak, but now I might have an understanding how to increase the the draw weight on my next bow. Thank you!

[@bryonguenther6199]

Great video! I’m amazed at your ability to make that bow sow short for your draw length.

[@robertrivera428]

Super cool video

[@rorynelson7548]

I'm lucky enough to have purchased a cheap piece of crap belt Grinder from menards that really made sanding to my lines easy. Thanks Clay, you taught me how to make my first bow! You're an awesome dude.

[@lylemuegge5811]

Great video, Clay. Thanks for taking the time to explain all the details. Really appreciate it and all the videos full of knowledge you post. Thanks.

[@jayburrough4308]

My granddad uses this flapper wheel that has metal blades/teeth and he uses it with his drill and it strips the bark fairly quick but he really only used it when is was a seasoned log 🪵/dried out . he has so many hand made tool's I love seeing them all.lol have a good day everyone

[@BekkaMakes]

This video is amazing. Thank you so much!

[@fhorst41]

I had burn out from watching 7 straight seasons of Alone, and had to step away for a while. But your videos brought me back, and I just finished watching season 8. Congratulations on an epic win there, and thank you for your inspiring videos here on YT. I enjoyed season 8 tremendously. The only criticism/observation I would make on it is that I think everyone missed a huge building resource by not harvesting spruce roots to used in construction. They're right under the surface, long, flexible and usually used by splitting in 2 (doubling the harvested length) and they constrict when they dry, as would be expected in a shelter, tightening the bound joints. Every member of season 8 had ample spruce, and no one made use of it. Thanks again.

[@clayhayeshunter]

I did actually harvest some spruce roots but it didn’t make the show. Great resource.

[@fhorst41]

@@clayhayeshunter I wish they would have shown that. It bothered me seeing wasted cordage and wire. Those could have gone further as the season progressed. Thanks for the reply.

[@KPSoutside]

Awesome video. Thanks for making it. First time bow maker so it helped me very much.

[@tonypace2009]

Loved the extra details on proper way to square up sides and getting to final line more accurately. I've got a couple store bought recurvs but have been also wanting to make a couple hand made bows just to prove to myself I can. Lol Growing up I lived down the street from a small Indian museum first thing there I saw was a old bow and tried making one for years. My first attempt was using a limb from a memulsa tree with a butter knife I stole from our kitchen. If my string wouldn't have broken I think it would have cast my crooked arrow a whole 6 feet. Lol So now I need to make a proper bow to get some redemption after 40 years.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Sounds about like my first attempts 😜

[@knolltop314]

Good tips and cautions. Thanks for taking the time.

[@clayhayeshunter]

No problem

[@tommybarrios3307]

Greetings Clay, Awesome video, I continue to take mental notes, and look forward to my first bow build. Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge.

[@darrenlebrun8689]

Hi Clay, i am a first time watcher, i live in victoria Australia. I am a beginner to bow use, i love the bush and camping in the victorian high country we have plenty of dear and wild boar. i don't mind fishing for trout, but they are to smart, i think i will have a better chance with a bow and arrow. Your video was excellent, you have a really honest way about yourself which makes it easy to see you know what you are talking about. we have different woods over here but, plenty i am sure will do the job. (Acacia implexa, commonly known as lightwood or hickory wattle), i am going to give the aussie hickory a go. I am a carpenter, so i am hoping if i follow a few of your videos i am sure i will have half a chance, of making something they will shoot straight. Darren from Australia

[@georgedarden4712]

Great build, you answered the question I had about peeling the bark off in the spring. I was afraid I was peeling the cambium off.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad it helped

[@joedavino9225]

Thank you clay me and my daughter are starting our first build this weekend super excited this video will help alot

[@SliceyMcChop]

Just came Across your Chanel watching your friends video where the two of you built up a bow and went for the 3 day hunt up in the mountains ,watched you guys take a couple shots at grouse and chow down on those tasty looking Idaho spuds and trout(I believe?) lol. Any way , you both create great informative content , from your awesome footage to the wide range of knowledge you guys generously share and instruct to your viewers . Just wanted to express my appreciation for you guys and thank you for taking the time and putting in the effort to create these videos for us. You guys are awesome to watch and I enjoy learning so much from you. Much respect!🫡👊

[@clayhayeshunter]

Many thanks 🙏

[@pahous]

Nice work. Makes this city boy wanna try my hand at making bows.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Go for it!

[@Pixel3]

What a great detailed video with complete explanation of the process, thank you so much Clay!

[@FREEDUMB4ALL]

Hey thanks Clay! I made my first self bow watching your videos. Turned out well just a few pounds under the draw I was looking for. Great video man! Thanks again for putting this out.

[@clayhayeshunter]

👍 😊

[@josephnaclerio9025]

Hi Clay. I came across your channel a few days ago from your 10 Hack 10 minutes and really liked it. It brought me to this video on bow building and I am now completely obsessed. I do a lot of carpentry work and love to work with wood. When I was kid I would go in my father's garage and sawcut pieces of lumber just because. lol. I really appreciate you sharing this knowledge and giving me yet another obsessive hobby to spend time and money on! Although, the way things seem to be changing in this great country, I feel this type of knowledge is going to be more of a necessity than a hobby. God Bless. Keep up the great work! Joe

[@Turn2222]

That was interesting and fun to watch.

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

Greenlee & hickory are both great recommendations. Its what i was taught on for the most part. Tried others growing up but those work best. Especially since hickory is so plentiful in SE TN.

[@crimsondog93]

Your Alone victory was awesome man

[@drewmorg.]

Archery is beautiful.

[@johnbeattie1225]

Great instruction .I've always wanted to make one and now I can refer to your Great video to try to do when I have time .Thank you for doing this 👍😊

[@ldtexas1648]

Very well done Clay! Thank you! 👍

[@justinhuber922]

That is awesome. I just watched season 8 last week. I was in the yard splitting wood thinking about taking my bow out for some practice then I thought of the old photos of my grandfather shooting deer and bear with a long bow and thought I want to step away from my compound and get a long bow maybe I’ll see what Clay used… then I found this video. I’m definitely going to build one now. Awesome content such a great video.

[@swimbait1]

Nice looking bow

[@muhammadgunduz7339]

I'm from Indonesia, thank's for share this awesome video.....🏹🇺🇲😍🇲🇨🙏

[@tlngnckr11]

Hey! I just started watching Alone on Netflix and saw you there! Don’t spoil it for me but my moneys on you!! Been subscribed to your channel for years!

[@clayhayeshunter]

😉

[@heinerbuck3934]

Thanks, that video helped so much

[@therelationshipmessenger-u6838]

Great video. Thank you.

[@EDCgearJUNKIE]

Cut my first hickory staves today. Grew up shooting Osage self bows so I’m excited to start making them. Awesome video

[@Warlax]

Amazing video. One of these days, I might build me a bow. You sure so make it look good.

[@ryanguffy4739]

Thanks for the video, awesome and inspiring work!

[@Gunslinger-1962-martin]

I've just come across your channel and I'm very fascinated with your knowledge towards every scale of bow making 🙌🏹👌 ive just subbed 🙌

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Martin

[@WACKOJACKO6648]

nice bow clay. I am making a small bow for a 6 year old as I watched your video and got some good tips. I have not made a bow in 50 years since I was a boy. I enjoyed your teaching. Thanks from Jack . Brandon will enjoy this little bow.

[@leevespa4564]

Mate,that was such an interesting video,started archery in the uk about six months before covid hit....after that couldnt get out and practise...shooting traditional longbow...bamboo backed ,made by a bowyer called Adrian Hayes here in the uk,im now 54 and have been bitten by the bug again....outstanding build,very well documented and explained...unfortunately we cant hunt in the uk with a bow,but an old byelaw from 16th century allows people with a bow,to shoot a welsh man ,who is within the walls of chester after midnight....fuckin crazy 🤪....but were not allowed to hunt animals lol....really well done mate,thank you 👍

[@louiswhite1445]

I have shot a bow a handful of times but I have literally never been interested in making a bow. This video showed up after I watched an arrow making video and after it started I couldn't stop watching it. I was like how is this dude gonna turn that tree limb into a real bow? But the reason I couldn't stop watching is because except for using the electric planer for a few minutes, it was done by hand without using a lot of power tools. Amazing job for real.

[@gtchalie5038]

Watched every minute of this. And learned a lot! Could even see myself trying to make one some day. So far only hunted with a compound bow.

[@terryjanssen316]

Watched every minute twice and will watch again. He sees the bow and just needs to remove the useless wood. Artist.

[@IndianaDoug]

Very good explanation, thank ya sir. I build a lot of axe and tool handles and use the same tools. Ok off to build a bow👍🏻

[@jangkalekir2398]

hallo clay.. halo all.. i'm from malaysia. always support you

[@compass504]

A great guide, Clay. Thanks Much!

[@lafayette222]

4:06 lucky guy just so happen to have a great man in the family to he him with such remarkable tools

[@edpena4878]

Great video Clay. I’m trying to make my first bow. This video has helped me a lot. Thanks a lot.

[@ruudmendel5823]

Hallo Clay, i always enjoy your videos i am also a bowyer, it is always good to go back to the basics . I am from Holland making yew bows, thank you for passing your knowledge . Greetings Ruud,

[@davidcook8261]

Hi Clay...Just wanted to say, saw you on Alone, you are a badass, and as a beginner bowyer I just want to thank you for making such an instructional video on the process!

[@josephdowell1027]

Thanks Clay! Followed you and your family a long time and have read your book. Just want to say thankyou, me and my boys shadow your experience in the UK (minus hunting unfortunatly due to law) although we plan on travelling to hunt as soon as affordability allows and i will be putting all your teachings into practice. With you doing what you do and teaching others our dream would not be a possibility. Thankyou.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Joseph, I hope you and your boys are able to get out hunting soon. ch

[@patrickcollenot2736]

bonjours clay Hayes merci pour vos vidéos que je ne cesse de regarder vous faites des arc magnifique je chasse a l arc en France depuis 20 ans merci

[@nearlynativenursery8638]

Superb intro to bow making Clay. I just entered my application for season 11of Alone. I will be 62 and slightly geezerfied. Wish me luck in getting selected for the challenge. Really appreciate your videos and you presents on season 8. All the Very Best! Jim Rodgers

[@rmkenney]

OMG, that wood is resisting you. Hatchet just skittering right off of it. Thank you for doing this.

[@buckfiden6102]

I just stumbled on this video, but super cool.

[@bluefluteman]

Excellent video! Thank you Sir

[@fishermandancrook]

Love your workshop

[@nv8409]

That was an awesome video! Thank you so much, I thoroughly enjoyed it

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks much

[@FightingGravity2071]

Awesome video! Thank you!

[@craigelectric5241]

Incredible art

[@qazwsxedc12345678991]

Awesome I think this will be a winter project for me

[@stephenhoseinsurvivaldakot128]

Awesome job clay