Bowyer required ...

[mjy]

This is only my second post since I joined - being the lurker that I am. I currently shoot a Samick AFB 69@40#, but I quite fancy an "all wood" afb.

The question I have, is are there any bowyers in the south east (london and surrey) that make AFBs most seem to ELB bowyers?

Also I have a very nice Hazel in my garden with some nice 7 foot boughs that are very straight. Is hazel a good wood for bows (with or without laminations) or indeed arrows?

Hopefully this is in the right place ....

- Matt

[Macbow]

Any reason why it has to be specifically the south-east area? Border Archery in Scotland make an all-wood AFB. You can also buy AFB blanks from Border and also from 3 Rivers Archery (USA so postage costs could be high).

[English Bowman]

Any reason why it has to be an all wood AFB, rather than an English Longbow?

If you already have a glass laminate AFB, why not get yourself an English Longbow, and then you can enter either catorgory?

The way I see it an all wood AFB is just putting yourself at a disadvantage if you shoot it competitively, go on try a "proper longbow" you might like it!

Daniel

[Kae]

Originally Posted by English Bowman

go on try a "proper longbow" you might like it!

Daniel

That'll be a full compass warbow then?

Kae

[mjy]

Macbow

Because I'm a sentimental b*gger really, I planted a hazel in my backgarden eons ago - got rather attached to it. As I'm moving house shortly I'd like a bow made with some of the Hazel boughs. And it'd be easier if the bowyer was in the southeast.

English Bowman

Out of the wood and sticks variety of bows I just prefer the look and feel of AFB. I don't currently own a "proper longbow" so it'd alway be an option, but I read somewhere Hazel was a satisfactory wood for AFB but not for ELB - whether that's correct I don't know. If Hazel can be used then I may go all proper and stuff.

Kae

I wouldn't know the difference between a standard longbow and a full compass warbow even if someone shot me with one.

- matt

[Macbow]

What I'd do is cut a good sized bough now - leave the bark on and paint the cut ends with melted wax so the cuts are sealed. Then take the section with you when you leave and store it somewhere dry with an airflow for a couple of years. That way any bowyer willing to incorporate the hazel into your bow will know the wood is stable enough to work with. Better still, cut two bits of wood so you can try making one yourself.
You're correct in that almost any wood can be used to make a bow and the wider, flatter limbs of an AFB allow you more options than the narrow D-shape ELB. An ELB must be long whereas a hunting weight flatbow can be safely made under 60". Safest option would be to back the hazel with a hickory or bamboo lamination rather than a selfbow. Also look at the Pyramid design as a home project - wide limbs tapering to a point - as the design is less critical about following a single growth ring and its a pleasing shape. Get a hold of the Traditional Bowyers Bible Vol 1 & 2. Really interesting and demystifies the process of choosing, preparing and cutting wood. There are some incredibly fast bows being produced using nothing more than white wood timber found in your local DIY shop as long as the correct bow design is used.

[gino]

Originally Posted by mjy

Macbow
I wouldn't know the difference between a standard longbow and a full compass warbow even if someone shot me with one.

- matt

Depends on the armour you were wearing

[2fast4u]

seems like your tree will have to dry for a couple of months, perhaps years before it can be used. Even in a thin lamination it still would be to 'green'right now.
Apart from that getting an afb is not a problem. any bow can be made to your specs. what are you going to use it for?

[mjy]

Gino:

If push came to shove - full field plate with loads of grunts with likewise in front of me! and I'd be crouching behind them

2fast4u

Originally I started out compound field. But not be being a driver at the time ended up a Target club locally (walking distance) and moved to recurve (don't like the putting together and dismantling thing - although I do do it). I'm not competitive (except with myself) so I don't particularily mind being uncategorised (or differently categorised) by using an AFB. Want to get back to field again now i've got some wheels. The Samick will do for the present - just want a bow that's a bit more unique. I'll still do target because my daughter does target at the same club.

[2fast4u]

I am sure there are enough bowyers near your area who could be convinced to make your unique american longbow.
If not we could as well, it would be easier if you find a local guy. but we are near every two weeks perhaps you can visit us a weekend and we can meet.