The Bowyer Chronicles

Added 14 July 1998, Revised 3 February 2008

Through this web site, several aspiring bowyers have sent me their thoughts and experiences as they first begin to make bows. I think that their experiences - their successes and their failures - can be helpful to other aspiring bowyers. That is why I have created The Bowyer Chronicles pages on my web site. If you would like to add your own story to The Bowyer Chronicles, please feel free to contact me.

• Bradley's Tale - Bradley's first bow broke, he thinks because he left it sit for a while after the initial stretching process. Added 3 February 2008

• William's Tale - This is a slight break in tradition, in that it was written by an experienced boywer with 20 years of bowmaking experience. In this chapter of the chronicle, William shares his thoughts on wood for longbows. Added 21 May 2005

• Rob's Tale - In this chapter of the chronicle, Rob gives us some insight on the use of purpleheart wood in his bow. Added 21 May 2005

• Penzo's Tale - In this chapter of the chronicle, Penzo details the materials he used, how much he spent, and some preliminary results from his first bow. Added 29 December 1999

• Tabo's first effort - In this chapter of the chronicle, Tabo details the materials he used, how long it took him to make his first bow, and how his first attempt met with limited success. Added 12 July 1998
• Tabo's second effort - In this chapter of the chronicle, Tabo discusses his second effort at making a longbow, including tips, and the design changes he made from the lessons learned on the first bow. Added 12 July 1998