Build and Shoot Your Own Archery Bow
What to know
Learn to craft an Osage Orange (Bois d’arc) wooden self bow, build a Flemish loop bowstring, and make a set of 3 wooden arrows to match your bow.
Start with Osage stave with bark on and use draw knives, rasps, and cabinet scrapers to shape and tiller your bow. Make a target bow for fun or a bow strong enough to hunt with. Class is $750 and includes all materials. If you have personal favorite tools bring them, but necessary tools are provided. Additional arrows may be made during this class for $15 each arrow, or there will be separate class offered on Friday March 15 to build one dozen beautiful customized cedar arrows for $220. Students under 16 must have parent present (Ozark Folk Center policy).
Days 1-3 are dedicated to working your bow stave into shape and bending evenly. When this is achieved day 4 is for making a Flemish twist double loop bowstring, preparing a leather grip wrap for the handle of your bow, and applying tung oil for a finish. The grand finale is decorating the shaft, applying a string nock and target point, and feather fletching for 3 arrows.
Congratulations it’s time to shoot your new bow!
All tools will be supplied but if you have some woodworking tools you would like to use, bring them. You will need to bring your own work gloves (recommended but not necessary) safety glasses, closed-toe shoes, and a face mask for some sawdust work.
Ozark Folk Center policy requires a parent/guardian be present for students under 16 years of age.
Registration fee for 4 days -$88 (due when signing up).
Class teacher fee is $750 (paid to the instructor at class start).
This is an Osage stave that has been seasoned 2 years, bark on about 6 feet long.
Uncle Joe’s Bows accepts cash or credit card for payment.
The Cabins at Dry Creek is located in the Ozark Folk Center State Park just down the hill from the Craft Workshops. Discounts are offered to students who register for three or more nights. Call 800-264-3655 to book your room.
Classes are limited to 3 students. Pre-registration required one week before the class date. Click here to register.