Bow Care and Use
With any well-made wooden selfbow, care must be taken to avoid negligent damage.
Knots, dips, wavy grain, and other inconsistencies are common features that add character to your bow. So is style.
Wooden bows with character are remarkably durable, with lifespans measured over long time periods, when treated properly.
Built to Last
Handmade bows are precious items. They are more than objects on a shelf. With proper care, a well-made bow can last for generations.
Stringing a Self Bow
If in doubt, look up a YouTube video to help assist in stringing your bow type. There are plenty of videos online.
Before stringing your bow, take a moment to inspect and familiarise yourself with the working portion of the limbs. So if anything unusual does occur over time, you'll be able to notice it.
You can also use the “push-pull method”, but your eyes and face are in greater danger when pulling a bow toward you.
Never bend your bow past the minimum distance needed to brace it (do not brace it with a “slack string”) as this causes unnecessary pressure/twist on the limbs, which could potentially break your bow.
Commercial stringers place too much stress on a wooden selfbow because of the irregularities/character on the bow's back.
Brace Height
Maintaining consistent brace height ensures predictable arrow flight. Brace height is measured from the thickest part of the handle to the bowstring, on the belly side of the bow.
Check before each extended shooting session.
The recommended measurements below are usually the sweet spots. Adjust your brace height inside the listed range to see where your arrows fly best.
Bracing above the range will result in decreased arrow speeds because it shortens the bow's power stroke.
Bracing below the range may cause excessive wrist slap.
Short bows - 4.5"
Flatbows - 5.5"
Longbows - 5.5"
Storage and Maintenance
Never store your bow in a damp, wet environment. Keep it wrapped.
Never store your bow in direct sunlight.
Never keep your bow strung after shooting. Unless for a shooting or hunting session, then unstring.
You can periodically treat your bow using Tung oil or Flaxseed oil. Wipe afterwards, as excessive oil can leave the bow feeling sticky.
Use bow under supervision if you're underaged.
Never use bow to hurt or play fight with others.
Each bow is a work of art, and proper archery classes are recommended for its proper use. You can also consult videos online.
Using these bows from Southern Cross Bows is at your own risk, and self bow care is advised.
Important Safety Notes
Never dry shoot your bow (without an arrow). All the force from the bow is directed into the arrow, and without an arrow, the bow will absorb the force and may break.
Never bend your bow backwards. It is designed and made to bend towards the archer only.
Happy shooting!
With any well-made wooden selfbow, care must be taken to avoid negligent damage.
Knots, dips, wavy grain, and other inconsistencies are common features that add character to your bow. So is style.
Wooden bows with character are remarkably durable, with lifespans measured over long time periods, when treated properly.
Built to Last
Handmade bows are precious items. They are more than objects on a shelf. With proper care, a well-made bow can last for generations.
Stringing a Self Bow
If in doubt, look up a YouTube video to help assist in stringing your bow type. There are plenty of videos online.
Before stringing your bow, take a moment to inspect and familiarise yourself with the working portion of the limbs. So if anything unusual does occur over time, you'll be able to notice it.
You can also use the “push-pull method”, but your eyes and face are in greater danger when pulling a bow toward you.
Never bend your bow past the minimum distance needed to brace it (do not brace it with a “slack string”) as this causes unnecessary pressure/twist on the limbs, which could potentially break your bow.
Commercial stringers place too much stress on a wooden selfbow because of the irregularities/character on the bow's back.
Brace Height
Maintaining consistent brace height ensures predictable arrow flight. Brace height is measured from the thickest part of the handle to the bowstring, on the belly side of the bow.
Check before each extended shooting session.
The recommended measurements below are usually the sweet spots. Adjust your brace height inside the listed range to see where your arrows fly best.
Bracing above the range will result in decreased arrow speeds because it shortens the bow's power stroke.
Bracing below the range may cause excessive wrist slap.
Short bows - 4.5"
Flatbows - 5.5"
Longbows - 5.5"
Storage and Maintenance
Never store your bow in a damp, wet environment. Keep it wrapped.
Never store your bow in direct sunlight.
Never keep your bow strung after shooting. Unless for a shooting or hunting session, then unstring.
You can periodically treat your bow using Tung oil or Flaxseed oil. Wipe afterwards, as excessive oil can leave the bow feeling sticky.
Use bow under supervision if you're underaged.
Never use bow to hurt or play fight with others.
Each bow is a work of art, and proper archery classes are recommended for its proper use. You can also consult videos online.
Using these bows from Southern Cross Bows is at your own risk, and self bow care is advised.
Important Safety Notes
Never dry shoot your bow (without an arrow). All the force from the bow is directed into the arrow, and without an arrow, the bow will absorb the force and may break.
Never bend your bow backwards. It is designed and made to bend towards the archer only.
Happy shooting!
Built for performance
Handmade in South Africa
Smooth draw, natural alignment, intuitive release |
Traditional Materials
Wood, fibre, and natural finishes selected for honesty and durability |
Small batch craft
Each bow receives individual attention from start to finish |
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