Session 6: Tips
Some guys requested some time ago a buildalong horn insert (wedge) tips. So lets do it here!
We need two matching wedges, I have a bunch of them prepared from brown black and colored horn. First make two rectangular pieces of the desired thickness (about 3mm is ok).
Next sand down to a wedge, tapering to zero on one end
I use a handy belt sander for this job. Use little wood boards to press the horn down, otherwise you sand your fingers flat (I made this experience!).
Be sure the pieces are matching.
Now the slot in the tip:
Camp the bow in the vice and mark vertically where to cut and horizontally how far to cut, be sure both tips were matching.
Cut the slots in the tip ends, I use a sharp Japanese hacksaw.
this how it looks after the first cut now comes the tricky part:
clamp the tip end with a plastic clamp and saw again just in the same slot as you did the first time
The cut should go exact to the end of the slot. Now pull out the saw blade and the clamp closes the slot. Repeat the procedure, next use a second clamp:
and voila' here is the result like a miracle we have a v-slot in the tips, exactly were we want it
The horn wedges should slip in with little pressure, you could use the wife's nail file to get the surface even (when needed)
Before glueing try a dry run, here is how it should look like:
Now glue in the wedges, I have used super glue, TB3 and Epoxi successfully.
For now I go with epoxi. I wet all surfaces the slot and the wedge
Wait til the glue gets a bit sticky, to prevent squeezing out when clamping.
I use office metal clamps, I like them for little glue-ups.
After the glue has cured:
Cut off excess, sand down to the limbs surface.
After sanding:
And more sanding:
from the side:
I will go for sinew wrapped tips (sorry ssgtchad), therefore I have sanded the tips more roundish.
Wetting sinew and strips of rawhide:
Taping the tips and applying hide glue:
This is what I will do, forming a rucksack using raw hide and hide glue:
The first round sinew wrap:
Fold back the strip, second sinew wrap, cut off excess strip:
When the glue isn't sticky, wrap the complete tip with rubber textile to press the sinew in place. (sorry forgot the pic)
The day after the sinew has a bit dried out, after a first sanding it looks like this:
Now we have to wait a few days for complete curing.
Next I will try to string that thing.
