Instructions on Building a Recurve Bow
- 1). Acquire a 5-foot long by 3-inch wide piece of wood. The best wood for a bow is yew, though maple and hickory work well, too.
- 2). Directly in the center of the bow, mark a grip around 4-inches in length. Using a rasp, file it down so it fits comfortably in your hand.
- 3). Taper the bow. The bow limbs need to be tapered both in thickness and width to bend effectively. Using a rasp or belt sander, taper the thickness to around 7/10-inch near the handle and 4/10-inch at the tip. The width should be tapered to around 2 ½-inches at the handle and ½-inch at the tip.
- 4). Cut a curve in the shape of a recurve bow into the 2-by-4-foot board. This acts as a mold on which the bow is given its shape.
- 5). Soak the bow limbs in simmering water for up to three hours. This causes the limbs to become soft and supple, so they can be molded onto the board.
- 6). Clamp the soft bow limbs onto the 2-by-4-foot recurve shaped board. Leave the bow to dry.
- 7). Cut notches at both ends of the bow limbs to attach the string. Tie the string at both ends, making it taut.
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