Arrows from Planks

Dowel Cutter – A useful tool for large-scale production A version of this post appeared here in 2012 but here is an update as prelude to a coming post. I’ve been using a Veritas dowel and tenon cutter to rough out arrow shafts from planks. Quite a while ago I posted about the jig I […]

Bamboo Arrow Construction

Several years ago I starting documenting some of the arrow-making I do. I wrote the original version of this piece in 2012 but as it always draws a lot of interest I have re-edited it and am posting it again. Arrows have been much on my mind after seeing how ratty some of mine have […]

Arrowology

Some Thoughts on Making Arrows, an Underappreciated Art – I have been making my own arrows from scratch for a couple decades (since 1987 to be precise) and thought I’d showcase some I have made over the past few years. I don’t generally make them to sell and I rarely hunt these days but there […]

More Shaving Horses and My Mobile Set-up

A shaving horse is an invaluable tool if you create or work with odd-shaped objects that are otherwise difficult to clamp or need to constantly move around. A horse, in combination with a small bench of the same height can act as a fairly complete workshop that is reasonably portable and adaptable. Carpenters, furniture makers, […]

Making a bow

Here is a post from several years ago tracking the process of making a bow. In this case, from Osage orange. Splitting the seasoned Osage orange (Bois d’Arc) stave. This is a tough process. As can be seen in the photo above, I use an axe, froe, and hammer. Not visible here are short hickory […]

Revisiting the Bowyer’s Craft

Tracking the process for creating the ancient and venerable flat bow; a complex hunting tool from five continents. This is a very brief overview of a process that takes many bows to master. I can honestly say that bow-making was my gateway skill into the primitive technology world. It’s one of the few things I […]

Trade Card from a Bow and Arrow Maker

An advertising card from when people appreciated hand made archery equipment. No training wheel, gizmos, releases, or sights. There is no date on the image but I suspect that late 18th century or early 19th century would not be too far off. Apparently javelin throwing was in vogue at the time as well. Now we […]

The Graces of Archery

Satire on archery from 1794. More at the British Museum.

Mongolian bamboo arrows

Originally posted on The Reverend's Musings:
I’ve been doing a little consulting to my nephew*, who has been making a Mongolian bow for a school history assignment. His theory is that the Mongolian bow gave the advantage to the Mongols during their invasion of China in the 14th century, so he’s making one and…

In a spin about fletch wrapping

Originally posted on The Reverend's Musings:
At most find-sites that have arrows there will be a non-equal mix of S- and Z-wrap on the bindings. The dig report will assert that left-handed fletchers were responsible for those that aren’t the majority direction arrow binding, probably without mentioning whether it’s the Z- or S- that they are…