Whip #64
Finally had a chance to complete a project. With all the stuff going on this past few weeks I haven't had time to do much. But I have a breather for a couple of weeks so I should be getting some more whips done and I need to make a couple of sticks as well.
This is whip #64: 6' bullwhip made with a 10" handle made of 1/8" fiberglass rod. The core is BB and ball chain with a single 8 plait belly and a 12 plait overlay. Slightly smaller handle knob as this is made for a woman's hand. This whip is somewhat unusual in a few ways; the narrow fiberglass rod in the handle is solid but flexible so there is an interesting flex through the handle that gradually increases into the stiffened transition into the thong. I also made the handle have a distinct edge to it's shape to index the proper belly orientation. Finally, I went back to a fall with a loop on the tip and secured the loose ends to the point of the whip with a simple overhand knot and tucking the ends under the rest of the point knot. Overall, an interesting whip and it seems to handle well enough.
Whip #63
4' snake whip, BB and ball chain core with some lead tape for additional heft, 8 plait belly, 12 plait overlay, requested colours black, dark blue and red. It's a bit hard to distinguish the blue from the black but the overall impression, at least to me, is that it looks like a nasty bruise. Having a little extra weight add to that impression. It's a nice little cracker. I wish I had time to make whips for myself because I really like how these snakes have been turning out.
Whip #61 & #62
Unmatched pair (but close) of 5' bullwhips, 10" steel handle, BB and ball chain core, no spiral wrap layer, 8 plait belly, 12 plait overlay in coral snake colours with solid black knobs. Slight pattern difference between the two with #61 having red-yellow-red striping and #62 having red-red-yellow.
Bowmaking 3
Well I know that my tillering is off by about 1/2" but this is one of those situations where I'm happy enough to leave things where they are so I can finish and start playing. I'll know better what to do for the next one. Used my palm sander on it this morning with progressive grits from 40 to 220 and got it nice and smooth. There are a couple of spots where my tools gouged into the wood as I was learning but I don't think they will cause any real problems.
Bought some Dyneema from 3Rivers and put together a string for myself this morning. Used dental floss for serving the middle. The technique is pretty easy. People have worked out how to make special jigs for making strings but I guess since I'm used to working with cordage it's not really an issue. As long as it's waxed and you put the right amount of twist where you need it and give enough length on the ends your loop should stay secure. I added drops of Crazy Glue where I thought I should for a bit of extra security.
Today's class covered final details:
- the more flexible limb should be on top
- add a permanent center reference groove to each side of the handle so we always know where the center point is
- use some form of cushioning material to layer a grip base on the face of the bow, secure with tape
- may also add an arrow rest formed from wood into a thin taper with a slightly rounded resting surface to minimize friction
- handle cover may be just about anything that is comfortable
- arrow nocks on the string should be initially formed with tape slightly above the center point of the string until the string itself has properly stretched, may be permanently made with serving material and glue
- finishes can vary from varnishes to vegetable oil
We measured the draw weight of my bow at roughly 44 pounds at 28". I made my nocks with electrical tape above and below where the arrow should sit and it turns out that they make the grip and release on the string more comfortable.
Once I got home I applied two coats of tung oil and carved out an arrow rest from some scrap hickory using a knife and my belt sander. I used several layers of non-slip material to build the grip foundation and wrapped it all with vet wrap instead of tape. Then I completed the grip with a simple spiral wrap of red and black paracord. I considered doing a long turks head, but I still haven't worked out how to do one so I kept it simple. Looks nice.
Paracord Belt
Finally took some time to finish off this belt. It's a simple parallel and intertwined cobra knot. How-to found on instructables. It really doesn't take all that long to make. Unfortunately, the belt is too casual in appearance for my purposes, but it was a worthwhile project. I'll likely try and sell it.