How To Make an American Flatbow

Did you know the American Flatbow is considered the most robust design for an bow?

The flatbow is a superior bow design because the stress is more evenly spread out across the limbs than for a rounded bow. When a limb is round like the English longbow some material sticks out farther from the neutral axis and therefore under greater stress. Conversely on a flatbow the most strained material is a uniform distance from the neutral axis. This acts to spread the load over a wider limb, minimizing stress and making the bow less likely to break.

This information resulted from scientific investigation into the best cross-sectional shape for a bow limb. The original authors of the study were attempting to prove the D-shaped design of the English Longbow was the most robust. The American Flatbow is more complex than an English longbow, and although more forgiving in use, it requires more exacting measurement and construction.

Do you want to learn how to make the most scientifically advanced selfbow in the world?

This book includes plans and measurements for your first selfbow, as well as methods for selecting wood and tillering the bowstave into a balanced and well-made bow. This book also included information how to make your own construction and tillering jigs.