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In this video you will see the making of a horn bow. These bows are also called Turkish composite bows or reflex bows. The bow is made of wood, horn and animal sinew. All parts are glued together with a glutin glue (isinglass glue). Bows have been made from these materials for centuries. 0:00 Intro 0:13 Wood core 5:09 Horn clasp 8:31 Elaborate bow shape 10:15 Sinew coating 12:23 Bone pieces 13:50 Tiller (bending of the bow) 14:44 Bow ends 15:27 Test shooting 16:07 Birch bark 19:21 Shooting bow Manufacture: The manufacturing process has remained the same over the centuries. Today, machines such as band saw, planer, etc. facilitate the manufacture. Fire is replaced by a hot air dryer and heat lamp. However, most of the work is still done by hand. Materials and additional info for those interested: -The wood core is made of sycamore maple. Other woods such as ash or yew can also be used. -The horns are from domesticated water buffalo. The last horn purchase was years ago. Unfortunately, the supplier no longer exists. -The deer back tendons are the same as the horn. Bought years ago, supplier no longer exists. Tendons from ostrich, cattle, red deer, etc. can be used just as well. -With birch bark it is always a matter of luck that one gets which can be separated easily in the thickness. -Glutin glue (isinglass glue 100gr./€ 60.--). Alternatively, rabbit glue or hide glue (100gr./€ 5.--) can be used. Both cost only a fraction of the isinglass. Data from the filmed bow: -draw weight 45 pounds at 28 inches. -String length 113cm (Dynema D75). -Bow weight 340 grams Personal: I have been building and shooting bows for about 17 years. Turkish reflex bows in particular. Bow building is a wonderful hobby and has taught me many things. My interests have shifted towards shoemaking for a few years now. So that my more or less great knowledge is not completely lost, I have filmed the bow making. Have fun watching ....... I DO NOT SELL BOWS !!!
