Effective way of shaping convex core and concave horn?
Ok, so shaping the convex wooden core of any composite is no problem. However, I am having a bit trouble seeing an effective and accurate way of shaping the concave glue-side of the horn. The final fine shaping would probably be best done with a shaped scraper, but what about the rough shaping?
I am fairly sure that I have read that a small axe was used, and from seeing the fairly simple traditional tool set of horn bowyers this is probably the way to go.
But, maybe those of you who have made horn bows with a curved glue line between the core and horn, could share a little of their hands-on experience with the issue? What tools did you use, and how did you make sure that there was a good fit between the horn and core?
I also see one more problem: If the straightened piece of horn was shaped perfectly with the correct inside transverse curve, this would flatten out when it was then bent onto the reflexed wooden core? Is this a problem at all? Maybe the fit does not have to be perfect at all, with the rope-method simply forcing the horn in place?
I am fairly sure that I have read that a small axe was used, and from seeing the fairly simple traditional tool set of horn bowyers this is probably the way to go.
But, maybe those of you who have made horn bows with a curved glue line between the core and horn, could share a little of their hands-on experience with the issue? What tools did you use, and how did you make sure that there was a good fit between the horn and core?
I also see one more problem: If the straightened piece of horn was shaped perfectly with the correct inside transverse curve, this would flatten out when it was then bent onto the reflexed wooden core? Is this a problem at all? Maybe the fit does not have to be perfect at all, with the rope-method simply forcing the horn in place?
Did you mean adze instead of axe? It is relatively straight-forward to shape a concave groove with an adze though it is very tedious and only gets easier if you practice a lot.. Once you get the hang of it, it seems relatively efficient for the rough shaping. I am sure some of the bowyers who write here will have better ideas with modern tools.
Kviljo:
Reference tool is better. First, bowyer need to calculate the cross section. Then make reference tool and scraper. Reference tool must be same size with scraper . Scraper and R. tool must be male and female so horn and wood fit well. Matching wood to horn is not easy with matching methot but works well. I see matched and unmatched concave and convex grooves in old bow but teeth is not deep. I believe old bowyers prefered unmatched concave methot.
Cem
Reference tool is better. First, bowyer need to calculate the cross section. Then make reference tool and scraper. Reference tool must be same size with scraper . Scraper and R. tool must be male and female so horn and wood fit well. Matching wood to horn is not easy with matching methot but works well. I see matched and unmatched concave and convex grooves in old bow but teeth is not deep. I believe old bowyers prefered unmatched concave methot.
Cem
Ah! Yes, adze was the correct term and tool I was having in mind. I guess finding an axe with the correct shape would be difficult :) Hmm, maybe I need to re-shape the cutting edge of my adze and start practising.
Cem, this sounds very interesting, but I am not quite understanding what kind of tool the reference-tool is?
I am very satisfied to hear that unmatched grooves seems to be more normal than matched, hehe :) I don't think I will try to make matched just yet.
Cem, this sounds very interesting, but I am not quite understanding what kind of tool the reference-tool is?
I am very satisfied to hear that unmatched grooves seems to be more normal than matched, hehe :) I don't think I will try to make matched just yet.
Kviljo:
I will send photo.
I will send photo.
Superb :) If you want to try my e-mail, it is: [email protected]