- 1). Make the bow form. Cut the 2-by-6-inch piece of dimensional lumber so it is approximately 2 inches longer than your finished bow length. Stand the 2-by-6 on edge. Measure and mark 2 inches from the top of the lumber at each end of the board. Find the centerpoint of your board and then mark 2 inches on either side of this center mark. Draw a curve from the mark on the end to the closest near-center mark at the top of the board. Repeat for the other end. This will leave you with a very shallow curve with a 4-inch flat section in the middle, where the handle of your bow will be attached. Use the band saw to cut this shape and to remove some of the wood from the form so the C-clamps can grip the form and your bow during the lamination process.
- 2). Make the handle core. Use the rasp to taper the ends of the 10-inch piece of osage wood. If you'd like a thicker handle, you can laminate two or more pieces together, using the glue and C-clamps to hold them together until completely dry.
- 3). Laminate the backing and belly staves. Cut the staves to your desired finished bow length and width. Lay a piece of plastic wrap over the bow form. Place the osage backing on top of the plastic wrap and apply the glue with the paint brush. Center the handle core on the backing. Coat the top edge with glue and lay the bamboo belly stave on top of the handle core and the backing. Clamp onto the form using the C-clamps and allow it to dry completely.
- 4). Finish the shape of your bow. Use the rasp and sanding block to gently taper the bow at the ends and smooth the edge of the bow where the pieces of wood are joined. Cut a small notch at the upper and lower limbs to accommodate the bow strong. Use the rasp and sanding block to thin the width of the handle area until it is comfortable to your grip. Protect the bow with a coat of oil and string.
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