Forging A Manyullyn Longbow

Making a Manyullyn longbow in Minecraft requires a combination of mods, including Tinker's Construct and Thaumcraft. The bow itself is made from Green Slime Bow Limbs, with a Manyullyn Arrow Head and Slime Leaf Fletchling. For maximum damage, use arrows with a metal rod, such as steel or Manyullyn, instead of a bone one. This will increase the weight of the arrow, allowing it to travel a longer distance and increasing armour penetration.

Choosing the right type of wood

• Yew: Yew is a lightweight wood that has been popular for centuries in Europe. It is good for simple, short-lived bows with light draw weight. Yew is also less prone to knots, making it a good choice for beginners.
• Elm: Elm creates short, stout bows with thick limbs and light draw weight. However, elm bows are short-lived and more susceptible to cracking.
• White Ash: White ash yields shorter, stouter bows that are less sensitive to climate changes and have a moderate draw weight. However, white ash is prone to compression cracks on the belly of the bow.
• Red Oak: Red oak is a dense and heavy wood that is commonly used for longbows. It is known for its durability and shape retention. However, red oak can be challenging to work with due to its porous nature.
• Hickory: Hickory is a strong and flexible wood that is commonly used for bow making. It is easy to work with and can be shaped using heat. However, hickory absorbs moisture, which can affect its performance in humid environments.
• Other Options: Other suitable woods for longbows include cedar, bamboo, orange osage, dogwood, mulberry, and hornbeam.

When selecting wood for your longbow, consider the specific characteristics of each type of wood and how they align with your skills, tool experience, body type, and intended use. The right wood for your longbow will depend on factors such as flexibility, strength, and ease of working.

Selecting the right tree

The type of wood used to make a longbow is important, as it determines the strength and durability of the bow. Hardwoods such as yew, ash, hickory, elm, maple, oak, and beech are commonly used for longbows. Yew, in particular, is known for its use in longbows and was used in the Medieval era. However, yew can be expensive and difficult to work with, so other types of wood such as ash or elm can be good alternatives. Softwoods like pine and cedar are not suitable for longbows as they are weak and tend to lose their strength quickly.

When selecting a tree for a longbow, it is important to consider the growth rings. Summer growth rings are larger and more distinct, while winter growth rings are smaller and denser. The ideal wood for the belly of the bow (the side facing the archer) is a summer growth ring, as it is stronger and more flexible.

In addition to the type of wood and growth rings, the moisture content of the wood is also important. Freshly cut wood has a high moisture content, so it is important to allow the wood to dry properly before using it for a longbow. The ideal moisture content for a longbow is around 8-15%. Drying the wood can take several weeks to a year, depending on the type of wood.

Overall, selecting the right tree for a longbow is a crucial step in the bow-making process. It requires careful consideration of the species of tree, the straightness and length of the tree, the growth rings, and the moisture content of the wood.

Splitting off staves

The wood must be divided into staves before it can be turned into a longbow. An 8-inch diameter log will produce roughly six bow staves, so don't worry if you mess up the first one or two. If you have a circular saw, you can cut the log to ensure it splits along the right lines. Then, use wedges and a hammer to split the log lengthwise until you have staves that are larger than the intended finished length—roughly 2-3 inches in diameter. Apply shellac to the staves to prevent cracking.

The first part of shaving your staves is to note the growth rings. Summer growth rings are fatter and more distinct, while winter growth rings are smaller and denser. You will want to select a summer growth ring for the belly of the bow. Secure your stave in a vice and begin to draw off layers. Shave away wood until you reach the winter growth ring just above the summer ring you've selected for the belly. Pare away this final growth ring with a cabinet scraper, following the growth ring from one end of the stave to the other. The more precise you are with this step, the better off you will be later on, so take care to shave, draw, and pare as carefully as possible. Once finished, shellac the stave to prepare it and protect it from cracking during the next step.

Drying and shaping the stave

First, pare the stave with a hatchet and a drawknife, reducing it to slightly larger than your intended final product. Apply a coat of shellac to the back of the stave for protection.

Next, build a drying box using plywood and 40-watt light bulbs. Place the stave in the drying box and let it dry for a minimum of 3-4 weeks, although some recommend drying for up to a year. The stave should reach around 15% moisture content, with 8% being ideal.

Once the stave is dry, carefully draw the outline of your finished bow. Native American bows typically have a narrower centre for the handle, with the belly tapering off at the end of the limbs. Mark the shape you want to cut out.

Now, use the drawknife to reduce the stave to the drawn outline, and refine the form with a pocket knife for the final details. Smooth out the front and back surfaces, and sand the edges and tips.

Finally, create two deep 45-degree notches on each end of the bow for the string. These can be made using a chainsaw file or similar tool.

The stave is now dried and shaped, ready for the next steps in creating your longbow!

Finishing touches

Sanding and Shellac

Sand the entire bow with 80-, 150-, and 220-grit sandpaper and shellac again for good measure. This will smooth out the wood and prepare it for the finishing touches.

Stain and Finish

At this point, you can decide whether to finish your bow or not. If you choose to finish it, select a stain that suits your preferences and apply it to the wood. Remember, the darker the colour, the harder it will be to spot in the brush or woods. Once the stain has dried, seal the bow with three coats of clear gloss polyurethane and one final coat of satin polyurethane. This will protect the wood and give it a smooth finish.

Wrap the Handle

Wrap your handle in nylon cord, hemp cord, or leather chord using the “whipping” technique. This will provide a comfortable and secure grip when using the bow. Apply a light coat of clear glue over the wrapping to hold it in place.

String the Bow

Finally, string your bow with a bowstring, and you are ready to shoot! You have now completed your one-of-a-kind handmade hunting longbow. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions