Using rattan or a combination of rattan and wood, a variety of interesting bow designs can be made. Rattan is a very light material consisting of a soft, flexible core and a protective hard circumference, which makes it an excellent choice for bow making. Its elastic properties allow the back part of the bow to handle its tensile strength while the belly of the bow is better able to resist its compression forces. This book guides you through the making of seven bow designs with illustrated, step-by-step instructions. Sections include creating the bow profile, tillering, leather grips, shaping the handle, making wood overlays for the tips, and much more. This book is perfect for archers, woodworkers, and crafters of all skill level.
Table of Contents
Information about Rattan
Cross-section of rattan pole showing the structure of the vascular bundles
Rattan Short Bow with Recurves
Dimensions and Sawing-Out the Bow Profile (detailed)
Preparing the Side Profile (detailed)
Bending the Recurves
The Tillering (detailed)
Handle Variations
Rattan Short Bow with Recurves
Rattan Short Bow with Recurves and Rosewood Belly
Preparing the Bow Stave
Tillering the Bow
Leather Grip (detailed)
Rattan Short Bow with Recurves and Rosewood Belly
Pyramid Bow of Ashwood and Rattan Backing
Top view
Backing of Rattan
Gluing Belly of Bow and Backing Together
Preparing the Laminated Bow Stave for Tillering
Tillering
Wood Overlays for the Tips (detailed)
Pyramid Bow of Ashwood and Rattan Backing
Short Bow of Pearwood and Rattan
Cutting the Rattan Pole
Outlining the Bow Profile (detailed)
Gluing-on the Belly of the Bow
Developing an Even Bending
Finishing
Short Bow of Pearwood and Rattan
Rattan Recurve Bow with a Walnut Handle
Splicing Limbs to the Handle (detailed)
Shaping the Limbs (string alignment detailed)
Tillering
Bending the Recurves and Re-tillering
Shaping the Handle and Finishing
Rattan Recurve Bow with a Walnut Handle
Rattan Bow with Padouk Ends and Walnut Handle
Making the V-splices
Shaping and Tillering
Rattan Bow with Padouk Ends and Walnut Handle
Rattan Recurve Bow with Pearwood Handle and Laminated Recurves
V-Slice for the Handle
Laminating and Splicing the Recurves (detailed)
Shaping the Recurves (detailed)
Tillering and Shaping the Handle
Rattan Recurve Bow with Pearwood Handle and Laminated Recurves