Ever wanted to become an archery expert but haven't got any money to buy or rent a decent bow and set of arrows? Well, here are instructions for making your own!
Gathering and Preparing Supplies
1Find the freshest wood possible. It would be best to cut a branch directly off of a tree but wood can be sourced elsewhere as well. The ideal branch would be flexible, snap right back into place when bent and also have a slight natural curve.
- Be sure you are allowed to use the wood you are taking. Your neighbors may not like you cutting their trees and some trees in local parks or forests may be sensitive or endangered.
2Clean the branch. Remove all extra twigs, though you may want to leave a short one in the middle of the bow to use as a guide for the arrow. Remove the bark in order to make the bow easier to hold and the arrow easier to loose.
3Find string. Ideal string will be about six inches shorter than the bow itself. Thinner, stronger string is best.
4Arrows require special wood. Find a stick that is thin, light weight, and strong. This will help ensure that the arrow flies fast and straight.
1Make two slits. These should be about an inch from each end of the branch. The slits should be angled toward the branch so that the string will stay in place.
2Anchor the string. First tie a strong knot at the first slit. Pull on the string to make sure it stays in place.
3Check the length of your string. Make a knot at the other end, about 6 inches (15.2 cm) shorter than the length of your bow. This will give the bow tension and curve after it has been strung.
4String the bow. Bend the bow and slowly pull the knot until it reaches the slit on the other end of the bow. If you did everything right, then the string should be tight and give the bow a slight curve.
5Unstring it when you're done practicing. If left strung for too long the bow will bend and lose tension.
1Attach your arrowhead. Use a rock or other small, blunt object to the end of your arrow with duct tape. You may also wish to wrap the entire end of the arrow in duct tape to reduce damage caused by impact. This end should be the heaviest, as it allows the arrow to travel further.
2Attach your fletching. Fletching is the material at the end of the arrow which helps guide it as it flies. If you don't know how, here's how to fletch arrows.
3Nock the arrow. Take a knife and cut a slit at the end without the arrowhead to make the nock. This will help the string guide the arrow.
1Practice. Find a safe environment where you can practice with your new bow and arrow. Remember: to be good at any skill requires practice. To become very good can take years of practice. Be patient!
2Use proper targets. Make a target out of straw or foam, with a cardboard casing. If you're shooting at a fence, use a rug to protect your arrows. If they hit a fence they will likely break.
3Get training. You may wish to learn more about archery. Many local sports clubs, gyms, universities and community centers offer cheap or free classes in archery. Acquiring proper training will make your new skills safer and more enjoyable.
4Be careful. Don't do anything that could lead you to injure yourself or others. This is not a toy and it will hurt if you hit someone. Also, don't use this to hunt animals, as it ineffective and cruel for this purpose.
5Be sensible. Don't use this weapon for self defense. If there is an intruder in your home or any other situation where you feel threatened, please call the police.
- Use caution while using the tools, such as knives and saws, necessary to make your bow and arrow.
Things You'll Need
- Long, curved piece of wood
- Screwdriver or bit drill
- A long piece of string to be cut to size. This should be strong but slightly stretchy.
- Small, blunt object such as a rock to be used as an arrowhead
- Duct Tape
Sources and Citations
In other languages:
Español: hacer un arco y flecha natural, Русский: сделать настоящий лук и стрелы из подручных материалов, Italiano: Costruire Arco e Frecce con Materiali Naturali, Português: Construir um Arco e Flecha de Madeira
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