This course takes students through the step-by-step process of crafting a wooden longbow, wooden-shafted arrow, and bow string. To facilitate learning about constructing a traditional bow, students start with a rough-cut stave of hickory. Bows are backed with flax-fiber linen.Each arrow includes a field point and feathers. String is made using the traditional Flemish twist technique. Throughout the course participants learn the basics of working wood with a drawknife, carpenter’s scraper, and other traditional hand tools. Class discussion includes design theory, different bow shapes, and the art of tillering a bow (getting it to bend correctly). As time and weather permit, students will practice shooting techniques on campus.

You will need the following tools for this class:

12' tape measure

pencils

sharp knife

cloth gardening gloves

clothes that can get dirty

carpenter's scapers

drawknife