The Bow

The ideal bow length is the distance from your armpit to fingertip. The bow should be sturdy and bend a little to not at all. The thickness can be anywhere the the thickness of your thumb to three inches. Ideally, it should be light and easy to handle. It may be curved somwhat or straight.

Attaching the string has caused frustration to thousands--I am sure. The problem is, you have to adjust the string--especially during your initial set-up. Below is how I like to attach a string.

At one end, I simply loop the rope over a pointed end--unadjustable. The other end (the part I hold in my hand), I thin the wood to 1/4 inch and drill a hole with my knife thru it. Then I feed the rope thru and simply adjust by making new knots in the rope.

The tension of the rope needs to be as follows: After the spindle is twisted in rope, it should be difficult for you to slide the spindle in the rope without it spinning. Note too for later, the spindle is on the outside of the rope, as opposed to being on the inside by the bow itself. The tension needs to be quite accurate so take your time and be patient in getting it right.

The string can be almost anything too. For practice, try parachute chord or nylon rope. Natural materials work well too and slip and stretch less. In nature, you can use a shoe lace, braided cloth, leather, or natural fibre ropes you make yourself.