Kipling-esk bow

[Pat B]

Thanks everyone. The animal print paper adds a bit of fun to my bows and it will be an effective camo.
  Marius, You have seen me so you know how creative I can be with my appearance. 
Rick, I don't measure. I mix up the epoxy then add acetone until it is the consistency I want. For these handle wraps I want it quite thin so it will saturate the string and glue the wrap to the bow.
  Dane, I'd bet Rudyard would flip in his grave if I showed up at his home with Shere Kahn! 
 Vermont is a long way from the jungles of India.
Thanks Pappy.                         Pat

[Little John]

Pat, I am considering using the hemp  cord and Massey finish on the bow I am working on, Where do you get your cord? Or are there other materials that would work as well like braided fishing line?

[Pat B]

Kenneth, I got the hemp from WalMart in the craft section.  I've used braided crochet thread and other cotton threads or string with good results. This hemp is a good diameter. The smaller the diameter the more string it takes to do the wrap. The first time I used hemp(for handle wraps ) was to keep a bow together that was spliced in the handle and had a 2 piece backing strip.   Once set in the epoxy, this stuff is very strong. The hemp is dang strong by itself.     Pat

[Little John]

Thanks Pat, you dont put any Padding under the wrap do you? Just looks like in your photo that the wrap is built up a bit more than just the cord. About what diameter cord do you use? Do you use any glue under the wrap or just on top.     Kenneth

[Pat B]

I usually fill out the back of the handle with a piece of shoe leather. The hemp cord only comes in one size that I have seen. By using very thin epoxy, it saturates through the hemp and on to the handle keeping it secure. Be sure you wrap in the direction your fingers go around the handle. If you go the other way the wrap can looses from just your grip.  I'll find a pic of a handle with the leather on the back and post it here soon.    Pat

[Pat B]

Here you go!  I like a bulbous handle and in most cases I have to pack out the back of the handle with leather(wood will work too, also cork or rubber) so it is bulbous all around the handle and fits my hand better.

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[dragonman]

nice handle, I have been having problems with handles and this gives me some good ideas, thanks

[Pat B]

On the last one I did I left the leather rectangular(instead of oval) but tapered it from the center out to each end. I then round the edges and contour it to make it comfortable. It makes it smoother for applying the wrapped handle.

[Little John]

Thanks Pat that will help a lot, and I will be to that point before too long.        Kenneth

[dragonman]

whats the little brown leather pouch above the handle???

[Little John]

Dragon, that is called a solo stalker. Basicly it is a single arrow bow quiver, holds only the broadhead and the shaft is held in your hand with the bow handle. Much safer than carrying a hunting arrow with nothing to protect you from the razer edge. Much more traditional than a regular bow quiver.    Kenneth

[GregB]

Very nice bow Pat! I'm late seeing it...haven't been online much over the holidays.

[Pat B]

Thanks Greg. Boy have you been missing all the fun!!!

[Rich Saffold]

Ya that bow fits the 'Jungle Book" profile Very cool Pat.

[Pat B]

Thanks Rich.     Pat