A few years ago I bought a red oak board and asked about it on a Facebook group page. I was a beginner, still a beginner. Because they all on the page laughed, told me it would never work, wasted my time and money, name calling, etc. after that I took that oak board and turned it into firewood. Haven’t tried to make a bow since and it’s been about two or three years. I’ve been reading books, web pages and watching videos on how to make bows for over 10 years. They discouraged me, but I might give it a try again. Good video.
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
Don't ever let anyone discourage you from trying something like this. You can't control what they do, only how you respond to it. And as soon as you say something can't be done, someone's going to do it. Red oak will make a fine bow, not quite as fast as good maple, but fine nonetheless. ch
@bryanotero1236 жыл бұрын
Give it a try man, then make a video of it,
@brucepreston37946 жыл бұрын
Charles Davis dont let these people convince you that you cant. Just because they cant, doesnt mean it cant happen. Just tell yourself you can
@djinn2015 жыл бұрын
Don't let the haters stop you, do it for own satisfaction mate
@gaijillahimself9085 жыл бұрын
Have you made your bow yet? I'm rooting for ya!
@byronmitchell35874 жыл бұрын
In quarantine and alway wanted to build a bow. Seems like the perfect time to do it
@jnim10006 жыл бұрын
Honest person and thanks for being one and making this video for those who want to start making bows. People try to make much and rip people off. Start off with board if you don’t got access to staves. Don’t buy staves unless u want to spend allot money and it breaks on first.
@snakeriverscotto6 жыл бұрын
Wow, this brings back some fond memories! I still have so much fun making board bows for people. Maple is a great wood for all skill levels too, I love Maple. This is such a great way to spend a day. I hope everyone gives this a shot! Be warned: highly addictive.
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
Highly Addictive!
@thecakeredux6 жыл бұрын
That introduction completely described my situation. Great that you recognized there is an audience for this, good for you that it's well received and good for us that you provide this great content.
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
Thanks Felix
@springbloom59405 жыл бұрын
Clay Hayes Thank you. Im currently working on a 48" red oak board bow, as a practice run for a hickory stave an eBay seller is kindly cutting me a deal on, because its my first go. I could use some tips on style or design. Im looking to make a ~50" 35lb - 40lb shortbow. I need it to be as simple as possible, preferably no backing(though I understand the wood may decide that for me). Is that a reasonable expectation? Is there a particular style I should go with? My tools are a carpenter's hatchet, a mora companion knife and a Shinto rasp(awesome tool!)
@dragonsage690927 күн бұрын
Thanks Clay! I just bought your Traditional bowyers handbook. I'm already learning about mistakes I've made in the past in the 1st few chapters. This video series is really helpful.. I'll be trying it out on a nice piece of maple I picked up today! Thank you! :) The budding Bowyer on yt 🇨🇦
@cecilsowers82423 жыл бұрын
I have learn more watching your videos then reading all the books that I have on how to build a bow this is the most simplest I have ever seen for a good usable bow and getting started.
@CrossFit181P Жыл бұрын
Watching your videos inspired me to build my 9 year old daughter her first bow. Worked great and she was really happy. Great work here Clay.
@clayhayeshunter Жыл бұрын
Heck yeah!
@Ducky276453 жыл бұрын
Congrats Clay! Long before I got into selfbows, I waited with anticipation over the next episode of Alone. Naturally, my love for the outdoors and hunting has brought me to making selfbows and you have been a tremendous help! You’ve answered my questions with quick responses and thorough answers. Seeing you appear in Season 8 was a total surprise and I’ve been cheering for you! You’ve had some amazing completion! Again congrats! I hope to meet you some time in Milton if the occasion ever arises.
@gonzoiguess73016 жыл бұрын
I started making my first bow months ago and got so busy I couldn't continue. Just my luck that when I decided to commit to it again last night you posted this video! Absolutely love your channel!
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
thanks Ryan
@nicktaylor9355 жыл бұрын
I made a 50 pound 70 inch maple long board following your instructions. Ty i had major succes
@clayhayeshunter5 жыл бұрын
Awesome! congrats.
@matthewwilliam40574 жыл бұрын
Just made my first bow thanks to your series, turned out super well. Thank you so much!
@clayhayeshunter4 жыл бұрын
The first of many I’m sure!
@nontimebomala22676 жыл бұрын
I like your videos. Your presentations are a nice blend of informality and professionalism. I have watched several and have not heard anything that did not sound pretty much spot on. I have been building bows since Jim Hamm released "The Traditional Bowyers Bible". Actually I gave the autographed copy to my son. So there are two complete copies of the set in my family. Board bows are just fine. Once upon a time a man who owned a lumber yard asked me if I could make a bow out of Virginia White Pine. I told him I could and he gave me a pile of sawed lumber to look through. When I finished his bow, it was 55# at 29" and it was 66" long tip to tip. I think the young bowyer should start with board bows because they are more technical and less organic but it is really just personal preference.
@DrewEdwardBacklas4 жыл бұрын
Did a board bow out of red oak a few years ago. I didn’t do the best job selecting the wood and had a bit of grain runoff. I tried to back it with fiberglass drywall tape and thought I had it handled. Tillered out to about 52lbs at 29”. Shot about 400 arrows before it cracked. Lot of hours of work down the drain. Bought a maple board to try again and it’s sat in my shop for the last 2 years waiting for me to gather the motivation to try again.
@clayhayeshunter4 жыл бұрын
Broken bows aren’t wasted time if you learned something from the experience!
@daleyadventures38965 жыл бұрын
Been wanting to do this for months, been checking home depot every time I'm there for a suitable board. Finally got one today, stoked to start!
@clayhayeshunter5 жыл бұрын
Good deal!
@611Cowboy6 жыл бұрын
You are the devil incarnate! I'm skipping the wheels and going straight to the stick and I already want to build a self bow and down even have my first bow
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
Get after it!
@611Cowboy6 жыл бұрын
Next season ill be hunting with it is the goal
@mattphipps13682 жыл бұрын
This is going to sound kind of weird, but I actually found your book before I found your videos. One thing I can say about this video in particular is that I like that you specifically mention red oak as a possibility for a bow because that's all I could find at my home center. The maple and hickory boards were all trash.
@stevenclark32615 жыл бұрын
I'm glad you showed me oi was about to spend a lot of money on a good piece of wood this way I can practice making them to hone my skill thanks again brother you helped a lot
@clayhayeshunter5 жыл бұрын
Have fun with it!
@PKD-ze4hr Жыл бұрын
Been watching tour videos and had to order the book. Wish I had known there were signed ones.
@spencerchandler83135 жыл бұрын
I really appreciate this video. I was thinking if it was possible so I typed in bows made from precut oak and BAM this video comes up front and center. LOVE IT!
@Photobby6 жыл бұрын
I was hoping you would do something like this! I want to make a couple of bows for my kids, as practice to make a nicer one for me. Thank you Clay!!
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
It's a great way to start and get some practice!
@PointofimpactTV6 жыл бұрын
Always like your videos, I don't even build bows anymore. Firearms dominate my hobby time.
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
+Pointofimpact TV bang sticks are cool too.
@walterpelletier60412 жыл бұрын
the book he is talking about is very very good i recommend it
@rogermajsterski47289 ай бұрын
Grate thanks 👍😊😊😊 very valuable knowledge.happy new year
@playanamedgus24153 жыл бұрын
I made my own bow a couple months ago. It was pine, cuz thats the only thing i could find, and it was not very fast, but very accurate, and it got pretty good penetration.
@HobbitHomes2634 жыл бұрын
I made my first bow out of hickory. I had some trouble gaining finesse with a drawknife to not take too much wood so I picked up a small spokeshave which allowed me to control the depth of the cut. It took probably more strokes but at least I wasn't buggering up the board.
@arrongilmore31645 жыл бұрын
This is the video I been looking for before I move to making bows from wood thank you sir.
@clayhayeshunter5 жыл бұрын
Glad to help
@frankieg9585 Жыл бұрын
Thank you Clay for all the educational and inspirational videos. I enjoy your content!
@clayhayeshunter Жыл бұрын
Thanks Frank
@frankieg9585 Жыл бұрын
@@clayhayeshunter you betcha...I've been shooting compound since 2011 and now I have an interest in traditional with the hopes of simplifying at least the gear and relearning how to shoot to be proficient in trad! Thanks again and keep up the great work.
@kellyclish71311 ай бұрын
Hi, I just picked up a red oak board 1/2 x 2x4, I'm attempting to make a short horse bow. Native American style sinue backed. Also, have oak dowels to make some arrows.
@tomnoraas29023 жыл бұрын
Waiting for part two ,part one was interesting.
@davidmerriott73566 жыл бұрын
As usual this video is awesome. Thanks for making a beginner bow series. I was hesitant because of finding an osage stave and not wanting to mess it up. This is much less intimidating.
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
Yep, that's exactly why I'm making these vids. I hope they help. ch
@mpccenturion5 жыл бұрын
Thank you. I guess we are programmed to hunt out things and make them. Wood is what I like. Have the tools and time. Looks like I will follow your path and see where we end up. I broke a bow, when I was a kid. I guess the grain was across it, due to the way it broke. Cheers!
@clayhayeshunter5 жыл бұрын
Don’t get discouraged. Just stick with it, learn, and have fun along the way.
@roberthicks47942 жыл бұрын
Great teaching Sir!!
@magikbullitz73875 жыл бұрын
I never thought of gettin bow wood from home depot. Genius
@clayhayeshunter5 жыл бұрын
Haha!
@angelus_solus5 жыл бұрын
There's a Windsor Plywood nearby that I could either get maple from or even hickory. I'll have to watch this series of yours now and get educated.
@edmatthews5726 жыл бұрын
Thanks Clay, as always you are at the top of your game. Super job as always thanks for sharing with us.
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
+Ed Matthews you’re welcome
@karenmurray30983 жыл бұрын
hi Clay, i just got your book . i'm looking forward to picking up some tips and attempting to make my first bow
@clayhayeshunter3 жыл бұрын
Have fun
@jeff59856 жыл бұрын
Thanks Clay! Going today to home depot. I'll do a build along.
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
+Jeff excellent
@bigh65303 жыл бұрын
Great sound advice.
@justpassinthrough72 жыл бұрын
Starting this tonight!
@troystone59016 жыл бұрын
Thanks for posting. Your videos are inspiring and very educational. I would love to see you work a hickory bow from stave to finish.
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
+Troy Stone I think I could do that.
@guyinknapp6 жыл бұрын
Ill second that we have alot of hickory here in Wisconsin. Thats was going to be my first attempt.
@whoblowsthere0026 жыл бұрын
I wanna see a shag bark done, I have them all over my hill but the stuff is so stringy and tough I cant even split it for fire wood unless its under 15" much less split staves from a round
@didgeribox1965 жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing! I’ve got you book and I will be starting my first bow build in the next month.
@clayhayeshunter5 жыл бұрын
Excellent! Have fun with it.
@kirkusmaximus67533 жыл бұрын
Nice, I will pick up some tips from ya. Thanks
@clayhayeshunter3 жыл бұрын
No problem 👍
@Mylokx2156 жыл бұрын
Fantastic video. Looking forward to the next one. In the meantime, I am headed to Lowe's.
@jacobice20116 жыл бұрын
That was exactly what I needed today. Thank you!!
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
+Jacob Ice your welcome
@jeffreyarnold26266 жыл бұрын
my first bows were board bows. i still make pyramid bows occasionally. maple, and red elm are personal favorites. i made a red oak first. if i lived in cali still i'd opt for hickory. it's just too wet here in wa to make one from hickory.
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
Yea, hickory can sure soak up the moisture.
@ACHPKP5 жыл бұрын
Excellent work!!! Depending upon the length of the end cut, and the depth of a Scroll Saw's throat, .....a Scroll saw (or band saw), can take off the wood---if one doesn't have a Draw Knife. Thanks for this video!!
@TheBeeman4104 жыл бұрын
I just picked up your book and can't wait to get into it ! 🍻
@dougdunlap66386 жыл бұрын
love this stuff. been looking for ever for just this type of instruction
@Sam-zf2wg5 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for posting this video ,
@Ntwadumela6 жыл бұрын
Clear and concise. Thank you! Subscribed!
@ryans31945 жыл бұрын
I know how I am gonna spend some of my birthday money this week . I Shoot nasp ( national archery in the schools program) and only use a Genesis original compound for that ( I go to Competitions/tournaments ) so it would definitely be nice to hunt with a long bow just to switch things up
@rugger87874 жыл бұрын
i shot naps one year really fun
@GrymmTymm13136 жыл бұрын
what kind and where did you get that clamp? it looks awesome
@elund4083 жыл бұрын
if your talking about the vise, it's a blacksmith vise and you might find one second hand if you look lots.
@INTELkizenough4 жыл бұрын
Tank you, i build my first bow from it !
@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors6 жыл бұрын
You're a good instructor 👊 Great video
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
+Riverbendlongbows.com gracious
@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors6 жыл бұрын
Clay Hayes de nada
@ianprice24414 жыл бұрын
Great stuff👍👍
@frankie19566 жыл бұрын
Looking forward to the next one great information Clay 👍👍👍
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
+frankie1956 next week!
@ryanb18742 жыл бұрын
I like your thoughts on it not being encouraging to build with osage right away. It's like, being new to knifemaking and trying to duplicate Loveless.
@niknimrod6 жыл бұрын
Awesome video Clay! Thank you so much for the great idea!! Looking forward for part 2!
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
Thanks Nik
@felipemartinez77563 жыл бұрын
Just ordered it 😎
@theconnellyproject5 жыл бұрын
Great Video! Can't wait to check out part 2
@ericbaumgartner57426 жыл бұрын
Have you ever tried using D shape oak hand rails for a starter board ? The smaller ones used in hallways.
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
I haven't, but if the grain is good, I bet it'd work well.
@cyberpigeon81922 жыл бұрын
I used to make bows as a kid but with branches
@Jazzman-bj9fq6 жыл бұрын
Cool vid! Very interesting to see 'how it's made.' Btw, did you know that if you wiki 'Archery' that your picture is in there? You made it in there but Howard Hill and Byron Ferguson didn't... Pretty impressive!!!
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
Hmm, I’ll have to check that out.
@TightwadTodd6 жыл бұрын
Good start...Looking forward to the next installments..Ive Built many a Board bow,but i always enjoy watching others technique as you might just pick up that one little tip,that makes a difference in your own building...
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
Yep, there's always something to learn. ch
@varminthunter77815 жыл бұрын
Cedar limbs make great longbows to
@DeepSouthSlings5 жыл бұрын
Great instructions and well laid out video..... subbed
@joebowers18214 жыл бұрын
Awesome.
@INTELkizenough4 жыл бұрын
I do it works fine ! tanks
@colinrueth46956 жыл бұрын
I still have two rather nice arms do you think if i were to properly make a takedown bow handle slightly modified to account for the arms having no recurve I could possibly put the arms on and have a bow that way?
@matthewhardman61395 жыл бұрын
That would be cool
@TievelaneyWest6 жыл бұрын
Cool! Can't wait for the next one.
@matteoveneruz90965 жыл бұрын
I watched this whole series and I went out and bought a couple decent boards of western red cedar which I’ve heard is also a good type of wood to make a bow. The board that I think would be better is and inch in thickness. I’m wondering if that would be okay to make a bow. The grains run length wise and there’s is only one knot on the side that I’m planning to make the belly. But I should be able to take the knot out because it only runs a little ways through the wood.
@onegoodearthcycles6 жыл бұрын
Can't wait to part 2
@miikesternberg69476 жыл бұрын
Looking forward to the next video.
@peaceseeker123 Жыл бұрын
Rock on man
@magicdaveable3 жыл бұрын
Cool video.
@AlS-zg4di6 жыл бұрын
Great video. Thanks for posting Clay! I love your post vice too. Is that a Peter Wright vice from England? Lucky!
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
I'm not sure of the maker. I found this in an old barn.
@adamcp225 жыл бұрын
I know this comment is a couple years late, but I'm making a oak board bow and your videos are fantastic. However, I didn't see the video where you show where the arrow rests, and how deep I could notch the wood. Can you guide me to the right video? thx for doing the work, great vids
@clayhayeshunter5 жыл бұрын
Since this is a bend through the handle design it doesn’t have a shelf. For that, you’d need to glue on an additional riser section to stiffen the handle.
@alrdyreg6 жыл бұрын
On a bow made this way what can the expected life be? Is there after care that must be done to extend the life other than unstringing when not in use and keeping it stored inside? Great videos! Watching and rewatching because this is my next project.
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
A well made bow will last a lifetime.
@911life55 жыл бұрын
You can cut those boards at Home Depot to your desired length and only buy what you need.
@bushwhackedsurvivor97135 жыл бұрын
Awesome. Thank you.
@addictivearchery11236 жыл бұрын
Hmm. Gives me a reason to go to Home Depot. 😁
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
I thought that's where you got your shafting...
@daleyadventures38965 жыл бұрын
Great video! I'm 6'8" with a 33" draw length. Would you recommend making the bow longer than the 70" you did?
@clayhayeshunter5 жыл бұрын
No, as long as the tiller is good you'll be fine with a 70 inch bow. Just to see what would happen, I drew this bow to the max my tillering tree would allow. That's 36 inches. The bow took a lot of set/string follow but didn't break. Rawhide is pretty amazing stuff.
@thalassa28895 жыл бұрын
Could you replace the drawknife with a spokeshave for the roughing out process? I have read that drawknives can be tricky to master.
@clayhayeshunter5 жыл бұрын
For board bows, yes. A spokeshave would work well.
@alva84216 жыл бұрын
Great channel Clay I am new to bow building your channel has been a really big help. So far I have some real nice Maple,Locust and Hickory. DO you have any videos on Take down bows? Thanks for all your great videos and your time. Al, Pennsylvania
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
I’ve got a 3 part series on take down bows at patreon.com/clayhayes
@calebaustin89126 жыл бұрын
Hey Clay, I'm a huge fan! You do some pretty amazing work! I have a question for ya. Is there a way to make a board bow with a shelf? Like could I make it and have it not be a bend through the handle? If so do I just not taper the handle section?
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
Yes, you’d need to glue an additional piece to the riser section to stiffen it up, then you could cut a shelf in.
@calebaustin89126 жыл бұрын
Awesome thank you Clay! super excited to try this out! You rock man!
@johnkennedy35945 жыл бұрын
Hi Clay, great video. I have a lot of post oak and white oak. would either of these make a good bow?
@vincentearl76842 жыл бұрын
If you live in Canada we have a store called Windsor plywood they sell all kinds of rough cut lumber at 4/4 I purchased a peace of hickory for 16 dollars ripped it with a dazuki (pull saw) and have enough for 2 bows 3.99 a board ft.
@Timberwolf49795 жыл бұрын
What type of draw knife would you recommend?
@abelgongora34202 жыл бұрын
At what stage of tillering should you put on your regular bow string I'm making my first board self bow and going really good so far
@TheRedhawke6 жыл бұрын
That is the best cutting rasp I have ever seen. What kind of a rasp is it and where can it be bought ?
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
+TheRedhawke do a search on farrier rasp.
@buck196 жыл бұрын
Clay Hayes tractor supply
@YouAskedForThis5636 ай бұрын
If you are measuring on the plank from the centre of the grain on one end to the centre of the grain on the other end, then you can not use the side of the plank as a reference when marking out, because the centre of the grain and the centre of the plank are not the same.
@markgauthier30896 жыл бұрын
Looking forward to the next video. How do you adjust dimensions for kids?
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
I'd just make it as tall as they are, then narrow the handle to fit their small hands. you'll have plenty of material in a 1x2 to narrow the handle to 1 inch or less for a kid.
@FremontLeland5 жыл бұрын
If you’re trying to make a bow for the first time would you recommend trying this first or getting an actual tree. Which would be easier ?
@clayhayeshunter5 жыл бұрын
Board bows are a great way to learn but if you have access to cut your own trees that’s great as well.
@juniopitbull53715 жыл бұрын
Pra mim você é o cara 👏👏👏
@passionateoutdoors72176 жыл бұрын
That's awesome can't wait for part 2! One question though is it possible to glue another type of wood to the handle section to beef it up and not have a bend through handle bow? And do the reflex limb tips like ur bow u had built on here
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
+Thomas Escue yes, you could add another piece to the riser section for a stiff handle. I’ve never tried heat bending a maple board. I’ll do some research on that.
@CjSerbousek6 жыл бұрын
you do not want to heat or steam bend maple you can steam and heat bend red oak tho
@robertbrunston54066 жыл бұрын
Thank you.
@clayhayeshunter6 жыл бұрын
you're welcome
@arkirron71723 жыл бұрын
Great video, is it possible and plausible to build a selfbow out of a board such as maple?
@YouAskedForThis5636 ай бұрын
My options are green Port Jackson or Eucalyptus, or Planks of Pine or Meranti. Which are the better options?
@theworkingman20735 жыл бұрын
It's only a couple bucks difference I know. But they sell it by the linear foot. Which means you can cut it to the lengths you buy it