Article Views:
2091
Ezine ready page
Ezine ready page
Posted on November 22, 2008 by Pearle Tsuji | Posted under Reference and Education
How To Make A Bow And Arrow: Building A Reliable Weapon
|
A piece of willow wood is perfect for your bow, because of its flexibility, but you can also use oak, hickory, or teak. You should know that dry wood is better than green wood, as it is more powerful. Pick a piece of wood of one meter long, without any twists or limbs. If you must use green wood, as nothing else is available, pine is the best shot. You will just need to soak it in hot water to make it bend easier, but keep in mind to dry it well over a fire before usage. When bending your bow, remember to keep in mind the natural curve of the wood that you are about to use. For obtaining a stronger bow, make sure that your piece is thicker in the center. This will also serve you as a good, reliable handle. For that, take the wood from the inside of the curve, with a knife. On both ends, the bow must be thinner and more flexible, so design it with these aspects in mind. For the bow string, you will need to cut notches. With a knife, make this about two inches from each end; remember that they must respect the curve of the bow. For a string, search for some nylon rope, or a hemp cord, vines, or sinew, a strand of cotton or some silk. When you are lost in the woods, you may have to try several materials until you discover which one works best. The string must be strong, but not stretchy, as you will need to use the power of the wood, not of the string. Now, when you learn how to make arrows, the first step is to find some sticks to use as arrows for your bow. In the same way as for the bow, you must use dry wood for your arrows, and green wood, only if you have no other choice. Let the green wood arrows dry naturally, as they do not work so well to dry over a fire. As for the length, the arrows must be half the length of the bow, so they can be drawn with it. The shape of the arrows can be completed by whittling the wood around their circumferences. Heat the shaft on hot coals, avoiding to burn the wood, and straighten it gently. A small notch on the back end will help you position the arrow in the bow string. The arrowhead is just a carved point on the front of the arrow shaft. Without burning the wood, heat the point over hot coals. Points for arrows can be made from metal, stone, bones or glass. When you attach it to the body of the arrow, you will have to notch the wood and press the point in there. Tie it up with some string so it keeps well. Fletchings can be made with feathers, and they increase the arrow flight, but if you do not find such things, you can do without them. If it is possible, try to glue them into the back ends, or push them in a split made in the back of the arrow, and tie them with a thin thread. About The Author: Visit www.articleclick.com for additional article contributions by Pearle Tsuji. |
Tags:
