How to Build a Rattan Bow
Rattan is a cousin of bamboo, but instead of growing hollow, rattan is solid throughout. It is an incredibly flexible, inexpensive wood that is used to make furniture and baskets. It is used to make bows. The durability of rattan makes it an attractive choice for people who build bows for children. It is simpler to work with than traditional hardwoods because the natural elasticity of the wood gives gives it a sturdy bend that is normally produced in other woods through chemical treatments.
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Things You'll Need
- 1.5-inch-thick rattan stick that is as long as you are tall, plus 1.5 extra feet
- Marker
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Knife
- Spoke shave
- Workbench or table clamp
- Bow string
- Tillering board
Instructions
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1
Examine the stick and make sure it doesn't have any cracks or splinters. These can weaken the wood and it may cause your bow to snap. If the wood is cracked or splintering choose a new stick.
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2
Decide which side is the back and which side is the belly. The back of a bow faces away from you and the belly faces toward you. Generally, the nicest looking side is the back. Use fine sandpaper to smooth the surface on the back of your bow.
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3
Clamp the rattan stick across the table or workbench, back side down. The side facing up towards you is the belly of the bow. Make a mark in the middle of the stick. Make another mark 2 inches above the middle mark, and a mark 2 inches below the middle mark. This is the section of the bow you will be holding in your hand. Wrap this area with hockey stick tape.
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4
Rotate the stick a quarter turn. Use the spoke shave to remove 1/2 inch of wood from the top of your handle to the top of your bow. Remove a 1/2 inch of wood from the bottom of your handle to the bottom of your bow.
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5
Rotate the stick so the shaved side is facing down. Again, remove 1/2 inch of wood using the spoke shaver between the ends of the handles and the ends of the bow.
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6
Hold a knife at a 45-degree angle and cut a triangular notch on the belly 1.5 inches from each end of the bow by pushing the knife away from the center and towards the ends. Tie a small loop on each end of the string and slip it into the nock. The length of the string is determined by your draw length which is typically about 2 to 3 feet. You may need to experiment with different lengths to find the one that works for you if you don't already know your draw length.
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7
Draw the bowstring 10 inches and secure on the tillary board. Examine each end of the bow to make sure it is bending evenly. If one side appears stiffer than the other use the spoke shave to remove a small amount of wood and test on the tillary board again. Continue testing and removing wood until the bow bends evenly on both sides.
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Tips & Warnings
Coat your finished bow with varnish to protect it from damp weather.
Always wear eye protection when using a bow and arrow.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images
