One of the things that I enjoy the most about traditional archery is making a lot of the tackle myself. Take arrows for example: I have been making my own for 67 years (since I was 16). I discovered then that they were a lot cheaper to make myself than to buy ready-made. I also discovered that I really enjoyed the process. Another discovery was that building my own equipment gave me more of a connection with the sport. I admit that a lot of my efforts are sometimes pretty crude, but some are pretty darn nice.
If you are new to the sport, then why not try making some of your own articles?
Making your own is also what I recommend to new or younger archers. I know it gives me a sense of pride that I made it weather it’s arrows or quivers.
I build everything i can, and what i don't build, i tend to change to suit my tastes or needs. We need to start up another "how to" section, may as well post some stuff.
Not sure if this is a bird-of-a-feather thing, or, if it just brings it out of us. But I just traded off a Fred Bear Signature Line bow quiver. The backstory on that hard plastic camp quiver began in the 80’s when as a teenager i was anticipating my very first deer bowhunt. I needed a quiver but couldn’t afford much but I found this bear quiver, new, at a yard sale for a few bucks. Unwilling to drill holes into the side of my prized Ben Pearson Colt (a $15 yard sale find just two years earlier) I cannibalized my old baseball glove for leather and with a piece of plywood, made up a belt-fob for this bow quiver to attach to. I lined the interior with green felt I stole from mother’s sewing drawer an hot glued it in place. It was a little floppy but worked well enough that I scored a muley buck my first day out. I think I used it for two seasons more before I got a proper side quiver. Eventually the remainder of that old ball glove became a leather cover for a plastic bow quiver and limb tip cover... I’m waxing nostalgic now and may have to go rummage around some.
I like making strings and arrows. The idea of building my own bow intrigues me but when I add up all tools needed, I figure, it’s better to keep supporting our bowyers.
I enjoy making my own arrows, strings, quivers, gloves, arm guards and tabs. Leather side plates and arrow rests also.
Even if the item is not perfect, I still get a lot of satisfaction knowing that I made my own and it actually, (hopefully!), works.
Plenty of pride in making my own gear. Leather Hill style quivers, arrows and racks are my main projects.
Deno
I've been building my own cedar arrows now for more than a few years. However, I've been building fishing rods (mostly surf rods) for 50 years. Although I haven't built a rod in awhile I still have all the equipment including a professional rod lathe. Frank
I make bamboo flyrods. Haven’t made one in awhile but I may start one after I finish the new printer table with drawers and doors.
I assemble all of my own arrows. With the cost of components these days, I'm not sure about the cost savings..., but I enjoy the process.
I realize less savings in building my own arrows than in the past, but the ability to use the choice of the very best components makes it so worthwhile. That's not even considering the satisfaction factor.
Another aspect of DYI is a person can experiment like with arrow finishes, feather length, shape, etc. Sure, I have had my share of “uglies” but at least I gave it a shot. I remember an arm guard I made that looked like I was wearing a saddle. Or the arrows I dipped in latex house paint that weighted a ton, you get the idea.
I have made as much of my equipment as possible over the years including arrows, strings, quivers, gloves and arm guards, but I also like to buy these items from time to time just to try something new and to make sure that I am supporting archery generally.