![]() There is also a very important bend in different axis, the middle image above shows it well: the bow is bent to the right so that the string at the nock point is a little bit outside of the grip (from the right side), in order to push the arrow parallel to the bow, and not into the bow. When the bow is stringed these create the final shape (with curves becoming flats and flats becoming curves, to certain extent): This is more difficult topic – how to describe the curves? In unstrung form the bow has interchanging curves and flats areas. It should fit comfortably in left hand and allow for rotation during release, so it can’t be too wide, and should be round-ish. I’d imagine it would have standard thickness as per the other bows, but watching YouTube videos the bamboo bows seem thicker than what I have. Also it seems that instead of the core thickness varying, it is the glass fibre (front and back face) thickness changing. I own a Japanese yumi that I can use for reference. Thickness is not constant along the length of the bow. I think in Kyoto area the bamboo grows thinner so the bows are also thinner. Stronger bows are also made thicker, as the resistance comes from the amount of material in the core. Thickness depends on the core construction, and the type of bamboo used. Also bows made in different regions of Japan and by different masters tend to have different thickness. Apparently ancient battle bows have had even greater draw weights. ![]() ![]() Later I will try to make a heavier bow with draw weight above 40kg, if it is at all possible with the materials that I have. As I intend to make bows for myself, I need to make a yonsun nobi, with draw strength between 14-30kg. These bows are shooting differently (and better) than synthetic bows, according to people shooting both, and this study here:Įffects of Kyoto bow structure on the Motion of ArcherĪs per table below, the length of the bow depends on the archer’s height and draw length. No fiber glass, carbon, foam, epoxy, synthetic glue etc. I want to make the best yumi possible, so it would have modern core structure, and use natural materials: bamboo + hardwood + hide glue. Also they are more stiff in action, as the bamboo draw and release are smoother. Apparently these bows take abuse very well, compared to delicate bamboo bows. My current bow (purchased from Japan) is not bamboo, it is Seiga type, which according to the manufacturer’s brochure, is made from fiber glass, carbon core insert and cherry birch hardwood. Modern bows are made from glass fiber, or carbon. Different lacquer is used, also rattan wrappings, leather and thread wrappings are applied. Ceremonial bows are decorated extensively, samurai battle bows are protected from moisture and damage, school training bows are on the cheap side, and collectors bows are a mix of the above. ![]() Currently, typical bow has front and back bamboo faces, side hardwoods, and core made from 5 strips (4 bamboo + 1 hardwood, or 5 bamboo). Starting with face-core-face structure, the core was divided into strips. Then core bows were introduced, and the composition of the bow was evolving. There used to be (in ancient times) bows made from single piece of bamboo or wood. Regional bamboo species are also contributing, as some areas have thin, long, strong bamboo that makes for thinner bows. Mainly it is about the material that constitutes the core, and also the configuration / composition of the core. There are historical variants of bows that are no longer used, and there are school-to-school variants used today. I guess doing the work will clarify a lot of assumptions. I have not made a bow before and I got no training so these are my observations and notes gathered form the available sources. I will keep this live and update with any additional information that I dig out. This will help me to plan the work and divide it into manageable chunks (phases). In this post I’ll cover the overview of the bow making process, with all the steps aligned in logical sequence.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |