Selfbow Tools

Hatchet
Drawknife
rough 4 way rasp
fine 4 way rasp
cabinet scrapers
1/8″ chainsaw file
sandpaper 80 – 120 grit
tillering board and string
leather hole punchers
a good whittling knife

The guys making laminated bows probably will list some different tools.

Digi, there are buildalongs on my site. I like Duncan’s list. I’ve always uses a surform. I used to use an old meat cleaver as a scraper. Jawge
http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/

George,
I have the surform too but I always seem to grab the 4 way for some reason. Also I should have mentioned the spoke shave too. I have a Stanley but mt favorite is one I got at an antique shop. The steel in that one only responds to the stone for sharpening. It is a little harder than most blades.

Duncan

Duncan, the 4 way is a good tool and I use it for shaping nocks. I like the surform. It is an aggressive tool so I check tiller frequently. I also use a farriers rasp but don’t really like it. Soon after I string the bow I use a scraper like tool which for me is a Swedish drawknife held at an angle to the stave. That makes for less sanding and nick removal later on. Once I string it I am in no hurry. Jawge

Duncan’s list is as good as it gets. I use a hatchet and draw knife for about 90% of the work. Once it’s bending I move on to the scraper. I mostly use the rasp (farriers) for shaping the profile, handle, etc.

ch

DiGi wrote: What are the top 10 tools a beginning bowyer needs to start out with? Also, where would one obtain these tools?

I got most of mine in hardware stores but you can often find good deals at flea markets and junk shops. Might just need cleaning and a good sharpening.