Q&A for How to Make a Bow and Arrow

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Question

What should be the thickness of the bow?

Community Answer

You should aim for around an inch. Don't go too thick because you want it to have a slight bend, but if it's too thin it will snap. Woodlands are great for finding a good bow.

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Question

Why do I have to heat up the stick?

Community Answer

If you mean the arrow, it's to harden the point of the entire thing. If you mean the bow, it's the same principle, it's to make it harder and more durable.

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Question

What else can be used for fletching?

Community Answer

Duct tape, animal furs, feathers, even streamers could be used.

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Question

How bendy do you need it: Super bendy, quite bendy or a little bendy?

Community Answer

Quite bendy. Not super bendy, or there won't be as much power to it. However, being too stiff makes it more likely to break if you try to shoot an arrow from it.

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Question

About how far does this bow actually shoot? Also, what do you think the drawback weight is?

Community Answer

It would be roughly 30-55 pounds depending on how you make it. Likely it shoots anywhere from 100 yards to 600 yards, depending on how you make it.

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Question

Can anyone give a few more examples of the types of wood that could be used?

Community Answer

Red oak, bamboo, hickory, Osage, ipe, cedar, poplar, black locust, yew, and black walnut. All these work well for making bows, but it really comes down to what you think looks the best.

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Question

What can I use in place of a knife?

Community Answer

Obsiderine is usually sharp enough.The right piece may be as sharp as a razor blade. Use the blunt side as a handle and scrape the wood with the sharp end.

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Question

Why is it so important to not have a slack bow?

Community Answer

Because that means there isn't a lot of resistance, and you need some resistance for an effective shot.

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Question

How long does the string have to be?

Community Answer

It needs to be about 4 inches (20cm) from the top when tied to the bottom. That way, it keeps the bow and string taut.

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Question

Can I use baker's twine?

Community Answer

Baker's twine is more focused on crafting, and is only a little thicker than floss. Use something else.

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Question

I already have a bow, but I need to replace the string. It's an older bow that looked like it had cotton string. What string should I use and where can I get it?

Community Answer

Measure the original string length then place two nails in a length of wood this distance apart. Use dental floss to wind between the nails until you reach desired thickness (maybe 10 to twelve strands). Bind the ends with dental floss to form eyes at both ends, then bind a section in the middle for the arrow nock.

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Question

Does the bow have to be that long?

Community Answer

Not at all. 1.8 meters is the length of a longbow. Smaller bows, often used in history on horseback, are usually about 3.5 feet long.

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Question

What is the strongest string to use for the bow?

Community Answer

Strings made out of flax, hemp, or silk are among the strongest strings. They have are used on the English longbow, which is one of history's strongest bows.

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Question

How do I make the tip for the arrow?

Community Answer

You can make it with metal, glass, or bone. You will have to mold the shape into a triangle with a small length to attach to the arrow-head, or you can ask a blacksmith to make you a few sets of them to attach to arrow shafts.

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Question

Can I use a shoelace for the bow string?

Community Answer

You could, but try juta cord or para cord for a better choice.

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Question

How do I keep the arrow on the bow without slipping?

Community Answer

Make a small cut into the feathered end of the arrow, about 1/2 cm or so deep. This will allow the arrow to slip into the string.

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Question

What do you if there is no stone, bone, or metal nearby to make the arrowhead with?

Community Answer

You can try making an arrowhead out of a stick by sharpening the end of it.

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Question

Where do I find a good, straight stick?

Community Answer

A good, straight stick can be found anywhere. You may find some good sticks in the woods or forest. Just look anywhere that has a tree nearby.

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Question

How do you get feathers?

Community Answer

Feathers can be found on the ground, or you can buy them.

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Question

What if we don't have these things?

Community Answer

These can all be found in nature except maybe the yarn. You should be able to find these.

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Question

Can I use mahogany wood? Also, where can I find yew? I'm in a tropical country.

Community Answer

I'm not sure about mahogany. Yew is indigenous to Europe, from what I know.

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Question

How long does the arrow need to be?

Community Answer

It should be about 3 feet long but if your draw back length is longer when you draw the arrow back it should be about an inch from the tip of the arrow.

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Question

Can I use two or three woods glued together?

Community Answer

Maybe, but gluing could make it less durable, and then you're relying more on the glue than on the wood and your own skill.

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Question

How do I cut the notch for the arrow head?

Community Answer

just slit a hole on the top, where it fits into the bowstring, and wrap some binding material onto the wood and arrow head.

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Question

What other types of string or wire would work that is cheap?

Community Answer

Fishing string is cheap, but I would recommend braided nylon or cotton/silk.

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Question

Can I use yarn for the bow string?

Community Answer

No, you can't. Yarn isn't strong enough and would come apart very quickly.

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Question

Can I use metal string?

Community Answer

Metal string is fine, and it is a preference to some. You can use it but you need it to be a metal string, not wire, and they are not to be mistaken for one another. Until your fingers get used to it they will bleed from continuous use, so make sure you wrap the middle of the strand with something more finger friendly!

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Question

What wood can I use that is native in Europe?

Community Answer

Yew and wych elm (or Scott's elm) are in Europe, and historically used to make longbows.

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Question

Can I use a non-adhesive bandage for the bowstring? Could a knife be used in place of an arrow?

Community Answer

A bandage doesn't have enough tensile strength to propel an arrow. A knife wouldn't work because it's not aerodynamically designed to be shot from a bow and doesn't have enough length to be pulled back; however, in an emergency situation, you could fashion an arrow using a knife's blade, if it's small enough, and some sort of shaft. You'd still need something better than a bandage to use as a bowstring, though.

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Question

How do I make the nocks in the back of the arrow?

Community Answer

To make the nocks, use a knife to divide the top of the arrow into thirds. Cut out the middle third.

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