Making a Red Oak Recurve Bow

Making recurved wooden selfbow from scratch. In the video you can see complete process.
I really like Red Oak recurve bows. They are true shooters. This one draws 40-45lbs at 28".
➤Dreamcraft Bows official store and website: dreamcraftbows.com/
➤ / dreamcraft_bows
➤ / dreamcraftarchery
❗❗❗Working on bows always remember about the proper use of tools and your safety - wear precautions like googles and gloves❗❗❗
Thanks for being here guys!
All the best!

[@CaliforniaCarpenter7]

Everybody stressing about not having the newest and most expensive tools could take inspiration from this Siberian kid making bows in Harry Potter’s broom closet. I have an entire shop at my disposal and this kid is outworking me. Gorgeous bow, dude!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Appreciate man!

[@crppledizzle9374]

@FEC Multimedia I don't think he cares 🤭

[@jx3s300]

I thought that was the best part of using old hand tools.

[@francohanekom1167]

A lot of guys love the tools more than the work. Any excuse to add to there trophy room. Where they use machines to destroy huge amounts of wood and metal to make nothing of worth.

[@CaliforniaCarpenter7]

@@jx3s300 Hand to God I had my Victorian era draw knife out today and was stripping bark off cedar logs and it can't be beat - but for making money I have a gouging disk on my angle grinder that could strip bark five times faster. I use both modern and primitive!

[@zackmassey8258]

Let's give this guy some likes! So he can afford a bigger workshop.

[@nikhilvdhoni2161]

You don't get money from likes

[@nikhilvdhoni2161]

He needs subs and views

[@robertlotzer7627]

And some power tools!

[@JGHFunRun]

@@nikhilvdhoni2161 however likes can make people go "hey this Bideo is good I should watch and not just click off" Why "Bideo"? Bcuz

[@richardblazek4780]

Sometimes smaller is better, no offense meant.

[@megahamartolos6638]

Truly old school craftmanship striving for perfection.

[@DreamcraftBows]

Appreciate it sir!

[@Recoletor]

​@@DreamcraftBows Lo Scorpione XVI Secolo Is it possible to manufacture it? 🤔

[@markk3643]

Given that you use hand tools exclusively to craft your bows the end result is magnificent. Your skills are well honed and the techniques used are well executed. Very nice craftsmanship - Well Done!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you for good words sir!!! Doing my best!!

[@HACKSGEAR]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqmxaGihlpt8d80

[@sensebio]

@@DreamcraftBows it is boiling water at min 4:25 right??

[@WV591]

TU all the way... Minimum tools & space, pure talent and whole lotta patience. Amazing.

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you, appreciate your comment!

[@tonymaurice4157]

@@DreamcraftBows you can get much heavier weight from red oak. you just have to make it wider and thicker.

[@cimachu]

What does TU mean?

[@keithsexton1034]

The recurve looks gorgeous this man gets some serious skills

[@DreamcraftBows]

Appreciate it!

[@jx3s300]

I really like the idea behind you using older style hand tools. The beaver tail leather is good stuff! Really like that! Very cool work.

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you, appreciate it 👊

[@gabrielk.7180]

Wonderful craftsmanship, I checked description of your channel after seeing name of the bow and it is nice to see video of fellow Pole being recommended to everyone!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you! Dzięki za wsparcie 🙏

[@tylorg7971]

Criminally underrated channel. Love your work!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you 👊

[@stevedriscoll2539]

Young Man, I am just amazed at your abilities! That is one of the best self bows I have ever seen. I gasped when you drew it for the second time (in the video) the tiller was amazing. You make videos that are fun and exciting to watch. I made my first Osage flatbow in my wifes kitchen, in an apartment...all I had was a hatchet and a drawknife (oh, and I bought a coarse wood rasp)

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you sir! Glad you like it! Wow, congrats!!

[@perfect-361]

I loved archery since I was a child but couldn't pursue it because my parents didn't like it for "safety reasons". Now that I'm older but on a tight budget, this video makes me want to go under the knife and get started :) Great video!

[@seitzwoodworking5102]

I guess the small workshop is easier to keep warm than a bigger one. Good thinking

[@DreamcraftBows]

Indeed 👊

[@ItSawGood]

I feel let down not seeing it shot at the end. But awesome work

[@DreamcraftBows]

Appreciate your comment! A lot of shooting in my other videos 👊

[@b9brutality]

Amazing work! Very impressed. Whoever is lucky enough to shoot one of your bows must have A smile on their faces for days!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you very much!

[@RamDragon32]

Honestly I love vids like this. The start had me questioning the methods but I just can't argue with the results. Beautiful work. I love the two-tone tips

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you! There are many right methods, but the result is all that matters 👊

[@patrickdingman6934]

There's just something about a handmade stick bow that always speaks to me. Compounds are ok I guess. But a Long bow and recurve Take skill to shoot and make. Traditional is the way to go. Nice job My friend

[@DreamcraftBows]

Agree !!! Thank you my friend!

[@behram11]

That was so cool! Thank you for posting this time-lapse.

[@DreamcraftBows]

You're welcome 👊👊

[@Corewood_TJP]

Interesting to see a recurve bow be made out of one piece of wood. Had I known this - especially how you bend the tips, I might have tried to make a recurve bow too out of my 2-piece laminated wood staves (maple and ash). Very nice work!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you 👊

[@MrLee-cy1pw]

Hey man I really appreciate the work you put in not only for the bow but for the captions as well!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you very much!

[@Abel-Harland]

Beautiful bow, great workmanship. Thanks for sharing! I haven’t made a bow in months but your video has given me inspiration, thanks!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you for the kind comment! All the best!

[@murrayshanaughan2650]

One of the nicest selfbows i have viewed. It appeared almost tillered before you put it on the rack, giving me an impression of your experience and skill. Inspirational. In the spirit of true bowmen, thanks for sharing and cheers.

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you for kind words! All the best!

[@ToddWittenmyerBackwoodsLiving]

That one's a beauty! Fantastic work!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you sir !

[@christianchilders8556]

Absolutely breathtaking, literally and figuratively

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you, appreciate it!

[@ls00.]

I love the smell of a wood shop.

[@DreamcraftBows]

Red oak has a distinct and intense smell 👊

[@johnmatthewpage]

Wow! Not sure how I stumbled to this but so glad I did! Epic work thank you for sharing.

[@DreamcraftBows]

Appreciate it!

[@mr.morgan5643]

Very impressive work!!! She turned out beautiful!!! Great job!!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you glad you liked it!

[@arysoares9259]

Belo trabalho

[@HACKSGEAR]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqmxaGihlpt8d80

[@steelgila]

What a bowyer. I couldn't believe how much he did with just axe and drawknife!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Appreciate it!

[@DanSantanaBows]

Awesome bow and video. As always, I really identify with your builds. Beautiful job with the ring chase, and that controlled drawknife split from one side all the way to the other was very satisfying

[@richardhoule4389]

I agree! Those long shavings chasing the ring were very impressive!!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thanks mate! Spending a lot of time working with this wood I know how it behaves and can use such methods

[@dooleyfussle8634]

Yes, very impressive drawknife skills. That being said, a farrier's rasp would have alleviated some of the harrowing moments when you were refining down to the line with the drawknife and scraper!

[@HACKSGEAR]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqmxaGihlpt8d80

[@tomaspuodziukynas5361]

Once again wonderful video and superb bowyer skills! Thank you for sharing.

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you a lot!! Doing my best!

[@HACKSGEAR]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqmxaGihlpt8d80

[@hawkinatorgamer9725]

That is a beautiful bow.

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you!

[@pianoboyroger]

Finally something excellent on KZbin

[@DreamcraftBows]

Appreciate it!

[@nickadams8460]

Amazing work - beautiful hand crafting with basic tools - the best way in my mind. Great job - gorgeous bow and very inspiring video. Thank you.

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@beesmongeese2978]

Didn't know you could make such an aggressive design with red oak.

[@FBFTheRagingWarrior]

Oak is pretty amazing for bows. I also own some fantastic bows made of Acacia. Very durable

[@calvitocalvon1711]

@@FBFTheRagingWarrior how durable im talking? And whats the best woods in your opinion? I want to make my first bow a recurve one lol

[@FBFTheRagingWarrior]

@@calvitocalvon1711 Very durable I would say 8.5 out of 10. I have a wooden fence out of acacia still standing 40 years old. Exposed to all kinds of weather.

[@calvitocalvon1711]

@@FBFTheRagingWarrior acacia huh i think those trees do exist here whrere i live, ill check ty

[@triples4good]

Absolutely beautiful . A true work of art!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you!

[@Micscience]

Good job it came out good. I can tell you have the natural eye for proportions with shapes.

[@DreamcraftBows]

Appreciate it!

[@bearellie6985]

Love Recurves! Your work is amazing!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you, appreciate it 👊

[@Chubzic.]

Thanks for the video, mate. Gave me a couple of new ideas and approaches, started making my first bow now :D

[@DreamcraftBows]

Great to hear that! Good luck bro!

[@gregcox600]

Absolutely stunning!!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you glad you like it !

[@rickstrodder129]

Thats a beautiful thing.., lovely work and in such a cramped space!. Thanks for sharing

[@DreamcraftBows]

Glad you like it!

[@imperfect-creations.]

Very nice doc. Been doing Kramers fiberglass tape bows with great success. Yup found my new go for. Thx.

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank ya too! 💪💪

[@jeff186sc]

Great video. I've made 3 different longbow. I'll use this as a guide gor my first recurve bow.

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you sir! Good luck!

[@andyanaoutdoors2487]

Beautiful bow! Would love to work along side and make my own. Then assemble arrows and hit the woods.

[@rolandwillems1]

Respect for this bowmaker!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Appreciate it!

[@PISETHSurvival]

Love this work so much! Thank for sharing

[@DreamcraftBows]

Appreciate it!

[@buddymcclure6170]

Beautiful work!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you sir!

[@antoineroulin3225]

Beautiful bow and very nice video, congrats from Switzerland

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you, Greetings from Poland!

[@givepeaceachance5140]

Buddy two thumbs up for making that excellent bow but you never let us see how it works !!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you sir!

[@StonyRC]

Beautiful work, professionally built.

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you!

[@beowulf848]

Fantastic looking work, especially considering how much room you have in your shop area. This vid got you a sub!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you!!!

[@andersjakobsen9906]

Wonderful, just wonderful 👏👏 Cheers from Norway.

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you Anders! All the best!

[@troller3155]

I don’t know why I decided to watch this, but I’m glad I did. Beautiful object

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you ! Glad you like it

[@seankeller6126]

Nice bow that was really cool to see how it’s all done

[@kycornbread6990]

Great work, lots to be proud of

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you glad you like it!

[@user-mk3ol8ij8l]

Молодец. Хорошая работа.

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you!

[@Leverguns50]

That’s a really nice looking bow

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you sir!

[@kingdoggo2630]

Thank you for showing us how to make a red oak Recurve bow, I am attempting to make one, I have already chopped down a red oak and making the staves.

[@DreamcraftBows]

Good luck for you!

[@jake4194]

I really want to see this one shoot!

[@dionisiocelsodefigueiredon2771]

Excelente trabalho, dá gosto de ver, meus parabéns.

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thanks!

[@Fire_And_Iron]

That’s a beautiful bow!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Appreciate it 🙏

[@chadh3441]

Beautiful piece of craftsmanship man! Hell yes! Cheers

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you a lot sir!

[@joeypetrosky9821]

Thank you for all your hard work on this just wondering how that red oak will hold up over time but looks great

[@DreamcraftBows]

Glad you like it!

[@elmothewise3915]

@@DreamcraftBows answer his question.

[@peterduke6037]

@@elmothewise3915 there was no question posed :)

[@nordestebushcraft7403]

muito lindo parabens pelo video ganhou mais um inscrito um forte abraço aqui do brasil

[@markmaslinski4771]

Nice work and beautiful bow.

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you! 👊

[@richardhoule4389]

Another awsome vid man!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you sir glad you liked it!

[@panchodelrancho2296]

Exelente trabajo ..sería buena idea que fabricará algunos más para ponerlos a la venta .Yo con gusto compraría algo así .

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you my friend! I hope I will soon!

[@pebbleshooter3807]

Fantastic skills and a beautiful result. May I ask you where you learned how to do all this?

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you sir! I've learned on my mistakes and from books (Traditional Bowyers Bible)

[@diwas2]

I love your work and work methods.

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you!

[@tombymarci]

Amazing work, beautiful bow! Keep on your work, i'll follow irlt!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you a lot!!!

[@michaelrolph198]

A little late to the comment party: but how did you determine the measurements for the bending jig? And what measurements did you use? Great video by the way!

[@luisreynoso6095]

Do you sell your bows if you do i would love to buy one

[@michaelrolph198]

@@luisreynoso6095 I think this question was directed toward the creator of this video, I am not that person

[@DreamcraftBows]

I made a few of these without target measurements and picked one that worked the best after a few tests

[@BowtellBows]

Turned out wonderfully! Have you ever shot your bows through the chronograph to see how fast they are? I wonder how much your recurves affect the speed.

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thanks man!! Unfortunetely I don't have chronograph. But I would love to find out also!

[@BowtellBows]

@@DreamcraftBows , I figured out a way in my earlier videos how to measure arrow speed without the chronograph with just a stop watch and a slow motion camera. If you already have those I would try that. It has really helped me understand my bows better.

[@DreamcraftBows]

@@BowtellBows Cool I will check them out! And I have to try your method it seems pretty interesting when I have no access to chronograph

[@BowtellBows]

@@DreamcraftBows just realized I don’t have an actual video of it but I do have a post on Facebook about it. fb.watch/2QE5gfxI8d/

[@HACKSGEAR]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqmxaGihlpt8d80

[@wasnt.here.3853]

great build, straight to the point. I'd love to see you make your own bow strings too

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you! There is also video on making bow string on my channel

[@MighelAkando]

Amazing work

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you a lot!

[@mattmuzic1]

What were your dimensions? Total length, what you're marking with the square, how far out that is from the center, etc. Great video, I'm going to try this - but I may use my jigsaw and 12" planer 😀

[@Micscience]

You don't make bows with power tools that is blasphemy!

[@mattmuzic1]

@@Micscience Apparently you are right! I have since heard if you use a planer it cuts the grains, weakening them. You are supposed to use a draw knife to cut along the grain.

[@DreamcraftBows]

DM me on IG i can send you scheme with dimensions

[@benotyourboss]

Awesome work!!! I am looking into making bows myself, once I have time. Question, whats the horn inlay at the handle for?

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you my friend! It's arrow shelf. You put arrow on it instead shooting it off hand

[@benotyourboss]

@@DreamcraftBows Very kind of you to answer me, thanks for that my dear friend! That does make sense. Have a nice day and stay healthy - regards!

[@ghoztfaze093]

watch this vid twice already. inspiring. thnx!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you as well!!!!

[@rustybird8803]

I made hundreds over my years never even thought of a beauty!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you sir for a kind word!

[@user-xt1ww5iz5w]

Крутезно! Неймовірний лук! Я дуже сильно вражений такою майстерністю та наполегливістю як у вас, молодий чоловіче! Бажаю вам творчих успіхів та натхнення! Привіт з України 😉🇺🇦

[@cvoisineaddis]

Nice work. I don't think I've ever seen an oak recurve. I know it wouldn't be ideal, but could you make another bow with the other piece with that initial split?

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you! Yes I've made a bow from other piece too

[@andyanderson1100]

Great job on the tillering

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you doing my best!!

[@billobrien4761]

You sir, are an artist

[@DreamcraftBows]

Appreciate it!

[@j.r.tidwell3318]

Just wondering how you got 91 thumbs down. Just saying!!! Wonderful craftsmanship!!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you sir!!!!

[@NorthernKing1981]

Jealous people 🤷‍♂️

[@lokidogofmischief265]

Was definitely jealous people, he made that look far to easy. I'll admit that width reduction method with the axe was quite ballsy but looked effortless.

[@jerrycox2058]

Awesome video and beautiful bow. it is always amazing to see the whole process unfold before your eyes. We start with the piece of wood, a stave but I never take the time to record any of it except maybe a pic or two. Then you have this working tool that can be hunted with or just shot. I say tool, a piece of art that can do these things. it is addicting and fun. but is so cool to do and then you have this wonderful prize that you can use for years or someone else can cherish

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you sir for the comment!! You are right, it's great feeling using your selfmade tackle!

[@HACKSGEAR]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqmxaGihlpt8d80

[@declanross6622]

How do you get the staves of wood I’m thinking of making a bow myself

[@jerrycox2058]

@@declanross6622 You can make a red oak board bow, it is the easiest way to get wood. a 1 x 4 at Lowes or some other place. you just have to be very mindful of the grain runoff to the side. several videos about that on youtube. you can also go cut your own stave by cutting a decent young tree about 3" to 4" in diameter. several videos about how to do that too. hickory is awesome too.

[@declanross6622]

Ok thanks

[@richardhodge3763]

Finaly an easy to uunderstand tutorial, amazing job!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you!

[@kaste5511]

Out of words man... Amazing

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you!

[@edi9892]

I honestly expected it to be stronger with these arms, but definitely a well crafted bow. I haven't seen many bows with the poundage of historic hunting or war bows. I wonder how thick the limbs would need to be. If they're really thick, I can't see it bending near as much...

[@davidcovine1454]

This is the average hunting weight bow for native Americans, as cited by saxton pope. In fact many bows for war were in this range. I think you may be thinking more along the weight of an English war bow. However these were not exactly the norm for the rest of the world.

[@edi9892]

@@davidcovine1454 I've heard that war bows and big game hunting bows were typically around 40kg or 80lbs draw weight and Longbows could be 2x as much, which is pretty insane.

[@lokidogofmischief265]

Great work! Very nice to see hand tools only. Traditional bows should be made by hand not machine.

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you!!!

[@iconcanvas2303]

Great job buddy!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you!

[@andyphillips5162]

Well done! Nice result!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you!

[@HACKSGEAR]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqmxaGihlpt8d80

[@avidhuntr]

My God! This blows my mind! I guessing you're not 100% self taught? But your work is fantastic and done entirely with hand tools. There's nothing like true craftsmanship on a piece like this, stunning work young man. New subb as well. Jusgbone quick question....approx how many hours start to finish? I'm in awe....stunning

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you! I've read some books, seen some videos and started my work. Appreciate your comment! I think it takes me up to 20 hours to finish the bow :)

[@SuperHurdman]

Beautiful! What country are you living in? I am in Canada and we have a wood here called Iron Wood a bow out of this wood would be interesting! My Father made his own axe handles and other types of handles for hand tools and years ago I remembered he had a axe with a iron wood handle and we cut our own fire wood and some how someone drove over the axe handle right by the steel part(head) the axe bent about a 30 degree angle and did not break or split and this handle was super dry! I think this type of wood would make a superior bow!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you for the comment! I am from Poland. Iron wood is great for bows unfortunetely I have no access to it in my country. Wow that's amazing!

[@nickraven2820]

Nice work young man!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you sir!

[@iliketopaintandread....]

I'm speechless-.... awesome work!!!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you!

[@hammerstoneartifacts4986]

When laying out your bow....Take an old jar. A bunch of chalk dust. And a cotton string. Throw the chalk and string in the jar. Shake. BAM! chalk line

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thanks for the advice !!!

[@walleye306]

hope you saved all them wood chips for campfire tinder lol

[@thatsmallrockshop]

Ummm thats a waste of oak save those chips for smoking a nice juicy fat steak over a bed of hot coals after a long day of bow making.😊

[@walleye306]

@@thatsmallrockshop you do got a point there bud

[@DreamcraftBows]

Yes, these burn great and give a lot of heat 👊

[@maxschmiemann6623]

Super cool. Nice work!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@HACKSGEAR]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqmxaGihlpt8d80

[@randalboatman5996]

you make really nice bows.

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you sir!!

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

Gym membership? Naw, you have oak and a draw knife! Beautiful work as always!

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you my friend!

[@radzmun6378]

@@DreamcraftBows eheirkehrjry

[@sergiovianna8252]

Friend, wear safety glasses.

[@DreamcraftBows]

Yes they are. Good luck!

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

@@DreamcraftBows I think he was saying you should wear some safety glasses to protect the eyes.

[@tonymaurice4157]

@Dreamcraft Bows I make red oak bows at 35lb and they break.. But the bowyer's bible says any hard wood. Will work with proper design. At Any weight. I'm starting to doubt this..?

[@michaelmorris1865]

​@@tonymaurice4157how are you building them, board or stave? Red oak definitely needs to be a flat bow.

[@tonymaurice4157]

@michaelmorris1865 staves and wider I need to go for 60lb. I was told that's all about the design and not the wood.. Don't know if that's true though. Is red oak capable of 75lb??

[@DavidJones-rm3ln]

You know what your doing for sure !

[@DreamcraftBows]

Thank you sir!

[@splatninja9447]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge 😀

[@DreamcraftBows]

You're welcome!!!