Heads-up: I filmed this series back in 2014 (about 12 years ago), and it’s not how I build bows today. It’s still a solid walkthrough for the general idea, and the dimensions are spot on for a proper bow.
What I do in this part
The bow is already tillered (part 6) to 48–49 lb at a 28″ draw. Now I cut the arrow shelf and shape a pistol grip.
Tools & materials
- Bandsaw and jigsaw (or a handsaw and file)
- 4-way rasp and round file
- 60-grit sandpaper for the handle; 100 and 220 for the limbs
- Pencil
Laying out the shelf
- Draw a center line.
- Mark 1/4″ off center as a buffer. Red oak isn’t as strong as fiberglass, so don’t cut past center.
- Mark 1″ further (1.25″ total).
- Draw an angled line to 1/4″ in from the edge at the taper.
- Move the rest up 1″ so your hand sits at the physical middle of the bow and the limbs bend equally.
Cutting and shaping
- Cut horizontally on the bandsaw and make the angled cut with the jigsaw.
- Round the top of the shelf so the arrow rides on the peak, which helps the fletching clear. Round-file the inside corner.
- Shape a pistol grip with the 4-way rasp, keeping it symmetric so it works for either hand. I trust hand tools for this.
- Sand the handle with 60 grit only. Use 100 and 220 on the limbs.
Tips
- Stay off the lines. You can always take away, but you can’t add.
- Don’t file into the fiberglass or past the block into the working limb.
Up next: Part 8, finishing the bow.