Home Forums Bows and Equipment Bow Building 101 – Osage Selfbow Part 1

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    • Clay Hayes
      Member
        Post count: 418

        Below is part 1 of a 3 part series detailing how to build an osage selfbow from scratch. Part 1 covers backing to one growth ring, as well as the different types of wood found in an osage stave. Parts 2 & 3, covering layout, rought out, and tillering, will be up shortly.

      • Dave Nash
        Member
          Post count: 113

          Just watched the video and looking forward to part 2 and 3. Thank you Clay

        • Clay Hayes
          Member
          Member
            Post count: 418

            If anything I cover in this series doesn’t make sense, or needs more explanation, let me know. I want to refine these as much as possible so tell me where the flaws are. Do I spend too much time on something, not enough, etc. Is there something else I need to show, or at another angle? anything.

            ch

          • Wexbow
              Post count: 403

              Nice work Clay and very smooth editing. Look forward to seeing more…

            • bruc
              Member
                Post count: 476

                I’m not into building bows Clay but I watched and found it very interesting! As far as explaining “how to” and that stuff on a scale of 1- 10 I would give a 9.5. But then after watching the “bunny and bear videos” who would expect anything less:wink:

                Bruce

              • CareyE
                Member
                  Post count: 111

                  Really cool Clay. I always thought of trying to make a selfbow. I can’t wait to see more.

                  Thanks,

                  Carey

                • Greg Ragan
                  Member
                    Post count: 201

                    This is awesome! I have two Osage splits curing in my basement and these vids will come in handy. Can’t wait for the next one!

                    Greg

                  • Jeremy Holden
                    Member
                      Post count: 60

                      Oh, you make it look so easy. I’ve gone through 3 staves and ruined everyone. Thank you for sharing, I’ll be watching for the next episode!

                      -Jeremy

                    • Raymond Coffman
                      Moderator
                        Post count: 1235

                        Very easy to see- understand – and follow the process. looking forward to the next episode —

                        Thanks

                        Scout

                      • Clay Hayes
                        Member
                        Member
                          Post count: 418

                          Here’s the next one. Y’all may want to grab a bag of popcorn cause this one’s a bit longer.

                        • Wexbow
                            Post count: 403

                            Nice work again Clay. Look forward to seeing more…

                          • David Petersen
                            Member
                              Post count: 2749

                              In several dozen wood bows I built, not a one came out “just so” and was a keeper. So I gave up at least for now. But Clay knows what he’s doing and I have the proof–a very lovely snakey Osage selfbow (one he built in a previous build-along here) and I never thought wood could be so good. While it’s a bit stiffer drawing than my Shrew, it doesn’t stack, no hand shock, quiet, accurate, and fast for wood. I will definitely kill an elk with it one of these days. Thanks for sharing your skill and experience, Clay. Dave

                            • wahoo
                              Member
                                Post count: 420

                                Clay that was the best. Really enjoyed them.

                              • Clay Hayes
                                Member
                                Member
                                  Post count: 418

                                  And, here’s the last one. I played it right after it was uploaded and it was kinda jittery in several places. Let me know if it does it for you all.

                                • wahoo
                                  Member
                                    Post count: 420

                                    Clay real nice. No probs with the video. Your web site looked good also. Thanks

                                  • Wexbow
                                      Post count: 403

                                      nice work clay and all very instructive. it would be nice to see the finished (sanded and sealed) bow flinging a few arrows just to take it full circle, although i realise this would take considerably more time. really enjoyed all three videos.

                                    • Clay Hayes
                                      Member
                                      Member
                                        Post count: 418

                                        making another short vid to show the finished bow won’t be a problem. It may take a little while, but I’ll get one up within a few months. Works been hectic lately, and turkey season ain’t helpin..:wink:

                                        I’ve also got plans for how-to vids on all sorts of things ranging from sharpening broadheads to butchering a deer.

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