Q&A for How to Make a Wooden Shield

You need wood, leather straps (a belt would be OK), screws or bolts, and a gate handle.

It depends on the thickness and quality of the wood, and also the power behind the assault. This will probably be able to stop most low-powered attacks.

Your board should be between half an inch to an inch thick.

That depends on what you mean. Furring strips are good for embossed/raised areas e.g. a border around the shield or a decorative cross. If you're looking to curve the entire body, you can soak it in water (you may need a kiddie pool or something self-made). Just submerge the wood in water until it gets soft enough to bend, then use some bricks or some such thing to keep it in shape until it dries.

You will need to use strong wood, such as pine or oak.

You will most likely need metal screws for this.

A bow could be handled by this but most crossbows would be too powerful.

It really depends on how large your arms are. Lay your arm across the shield, then place the strap over your arm. Mark where the screws should go with a marker.