Table of Contents
Preface 6
Overview 9
Chapter 1 Wood Selection 11
Wood Types 11
Grain Orientation 11
Flaws in the Wood 15
Chapter 2 The Bow Stave 16
Overview: Bow Profiles 16
Marking the Bow Profile on the Stave 17
Example: Longbow 18
Preparation of the Bow Stave 20
Chapter 3 Tillering 22
Positioning the Stave on the Tillering Stick 22
Finding the "Hinges" 23
Removal of Wood 26
Tool Handling 27
Leveling the Hinges 28
Balancing the Limbs 31
Carving the Nock Grooves 33
Bracing the Bow with the Tillering String 34
Checking the String Alignment 37
Adjustment of the Twisting 38
Tillering Up to the Intended Draw Length 39
Test Shooting 40
Bow Finishing 41
Chapter 4 Leather Grip 42
Shaping the Leather Grip 42
Appendix 44
Tools 45
Tillering Stick 47
Making a Bow Stringer 48
Tillering String (Flemish Splice) 50
Bow String (Flemish Splice) 63
Bowyer's Knot 72
Glossary 74
About the Authors 76