English Long Bow Building Instructions
- 1). Cut a vertical, rectangular strip from the trunk of the yew tree. The strip should be between 4 and 6 feet in length, an inch in thickness, and should include the outer sapwood of the yew tree and the inner heartwood.
- 2). Sand the long edges of the strip of yew wood until the bow is roughly cylindrical.
- 3). Sand both ends of the bow until they taper to a flat wedge. Ensure the flat wedges align with each other.
- 4). Cut notches 1 inch deep at both of the ends of the bow into the flat wedges. Ensure the notches align with each other.
- 5). Cut a length of twine about three quarters the total length of the bow stave you have made. Slip an end of the twine into each of the notches and tie a knot to secure it in place.
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