Boston Bows - How to Care for an English Longbow
Thank you for purchasing one of my longbows. I hope it gives you many years of enjoyable shooting.
Caring for an English longbow is essential to maintain its performance and longevity. Proper maintenance is essential to enjoy many years of shooting. Follow these steps to keep your English longbow in top condition.
1. Storage:
- Store your longbow indoors in a dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Use a bow rack or a wall mount to keep it off the ground and away from any potential damage. Or keep the longbow in its bag away from any risk of dents.
2. Cleaning:
- Regularly wipe down the bow with a soft, dry cloth to remove any dust, dirt, or moisture.
3. Waxing the bowstring:
- Apply bow wax or beeswax sparingly to the bowstring to prevent fraying and maintain flexibility.
- Use a clean cloth to rub the wax into the string, focusing on the areas where it makes contact with the bow limbs.
- Repeat this process every few months or as needed, especially if you notice the string becoming dry or brittle.
4. Bow Inspection and care:
- Regularly inspect the longbow for any signs of damage, such as cracks, splinters, or delamination.
- If you notice any damage, stop using the bow immediately and contact me.
- Check the string grooves for wear and tear, and replace the string if necessary to prevent damage to the limbs.
- It is good practice to reapply oil to your bow. I recommend a good quality Danish Oil, apply three coats in one process every 6 months to maintain the best finish of your longbow. I will make a detailed video of how to do this, it’s an inexpensive and simple process but vital for longbow archers to learn.
5. Brace Height Adjustment:
- Measure the brace height (distance between the string and the bow grip) using a bow square or ruler.
- Adjust the brace height accordingly (5.5” to 6” measured from the belly is ideal). Carefully either twist the string to lengthen or shorten it or re-tie the bowyers knot if you are confident in doing so.
- A proper brace height ensures optimal performance and minimises the risk of damage to the bow.
6. Shooting Practices:
Avoid dry-firing the bow, as it can damage the string and the limbs.
- Store the bow unstrung when not in use to relieve tension on the limbs and prolong the life of the string.
- Use proper shooting techniques to minimise stress on the bow and maximise accuracy.
- Avoid overdrawing the bow or shooting arrows that are too heavy, or too light, for your longbow.
By following these steps for caring for your English longbow, you can ensure that it remains in excellent condition for years to come. Remember to handle your bow with care, and it will reward you with reliable performance and a connection to centuries of archery tradition.
Happy shooting,
Ian Sturgess
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