Date: June 17-20, 2016
Time: 9am-5pm
Cost: $300
Age: 18 +
Instructor: Jamie Weaver
Location: Raven's Roots Campus
Learn the art of Bow Making! In this class we will be turning local trees into self bows.
A self bow is a traditional archery bow made from a single piece of wood. Self-bows have been being used throughout the world for thousands of years, with the oldest specimen found in Northern Europe dating back to the Mesolithic period.
In this class we will go through the process of creating a self bow from start to finish, from a seasoned stave to a completed bow. This class will cover:
- Choosing the right wood, properties of a good bow, and what causes bows to break
- Cutting down and seasoning your stave
- Initial shaping techniques
- Tillering your bow and removing material for proper strength and flex
- Making a flemish twist bow string
- Finishing touches: arrow rests, handle shape, staining and finishing
- Instinctive shooting techniques
Logistical Details:
- This class starts at 9am each morning and ends at 5pm
- We will stop for lunch half way through (students are expected to provide their own meals)
- Camping on our land is welcome free of charge, but is not required for this course
- Tools for this course will be provided, however students are encouraged to bring their own if they have them. Useful tools include: hatchet, hammer, hand saw, farriers rasp, fixed blade knife
- No previous woodworking skills are required
