Care and Feeding of the Selfbow

Temperature

Wood bows are organic, living things. A good rule of thumb is that if it's too hot/cold for you, then it's probably too hot/cold for the bow. Don’t leave a bow in a hot car. A strung bow in a hot car is even worse. If your bow gets hot, let it cool completely before stringing it. Some woods, like yew, are sensitive to cold weather and must be handled gently.

Humidity

Wood bows are more sensitive to relative humidity (RH) than we are. Moisture management is one of the most important things you can do for your wood bow. You should make sure the RH does not drop too low in your home. This can happen if you have forced-air heat. A selfbow should also not be left in damp conditions. You may need to use a humidifier or dehumidifier, or both, to keep the RH of your home in the same range.

Monogamy

A selfbow is monogamous, and may not tolerate any infidelities you force upon it. A selfbow is custom made for the archer. Its tiller settles in to your particular shooting style. If I picked up M's little oak selfbow, and ripped the bow back to my 30" draw, the bow would remember that. It would take a massive set as the wood cells were crushed under the strain of being drawn 4" past their intended draw length and from the extra draw weight. A selfbow subjected to a different shooting style (three fingers under the arrow vs. split fingers) can eventually alter the tiller of the limbs. If someone else is going to shoot your bow, they must shoot the bow in the same manner as you do. Have them use your arrows to make sure you bow is not overdrawn.

Abuse

If your bow has not been strung for awhile, or being used in cold weather, then you have to ease it in. Sometimes a bow needs to stretch before it exercises, just like you do. Brace it, and leave it that way for awhile. Slowly draw the bow in a series of gentle, short draws. Gradually work your way to drawing the bow back fully.

Do not dry-fire, string it backwards, overdraw it, use it for a walking stick, or perform any another obviously abusive acts on a wood bow.

Preventative Maintenance

Inspect the bow frequently for potential signs of breakage. Look for splinters on the back, deterioration in/around knots, frets in the belly (compression failure), etc.

Periodic applications are needed to maintain the integrity of an oil or wax finish. Urethanes, varnish, or shellac need to be touched-up where it is has chipped or worn off.Inspect your arrows before each shot. Check your arrow nocks for breakage or cracks. If an arrow slips off the string, the bow can accidentally dry fire.

Replace the string if needed. Look for fraying and wear, especially around the loops. Keep the bow sting waxed.

Conclusion

Wood bows are rugged and durable, but not immune to climate extremes or blatant abuse. Be mindful of its organic nature. A selfbow can last a lifetime if treated properly.