Lesson 1Intermediate checks during each step: measuring weight, balance, straightness, and visual inspection pointsHere you will set up regular checks at each step. You will measure weight, balance, straightness, and stiffness, note down values, and use visual points to spot issues early before they can't be fixed.
Setting up a measurement checklistWeighing stick, frog, and assembled bowBalance point measurement and adjustmentStraightness checks against reference edgesRecording data and interpreting deviationsLesson 2Drilling and fitting hardware: screw channel, eyelet installation, alignment checks; tools: drills, reamers, tapping toolsThis part covers drilling the screw hole, fitting eyelets, and lining up parts so the frog slides smoothly. You will learn tool choices, drilling order, tapping methods, and fixing small alignment problems safely.
Layout of screw channel centerlinePilot drilling and step drilling strategyTapping threads and lubricants usedEyelet fitting, depth, and thread engagementAlignment checks and minor correctionsLesson 3Shaping and tapering the stick: longitudinal and transverse planing, spokeshaves, scrapers, filing; critical checks: cross-section profiles, straightness, symmetryThis part covers shaping and tapering the stick with planes, spokeshaves, and scrapers. You will create length and width tapers, shape cross-sections, and keep straightness and evenness with regular checks.
Marking reference lines and tapersLongitudinal planing sequence and passesTransverse shaping and octagonal facetsScraping, filing, and surface refinementStraightness and symmetry verificationLesson 4Wood selection and preparation: visual and acoustic inspection, moisture content measurement, rough cutting and seasoning considerations; tools: saws, planes, calipersLearn to pick, test, and prepare bow wood, looking at grain, weight, and sound response. You will check moisture, rough cut pieces, and plan drying while using saws, planes, and calipers properly.
Visual grain, runout, and defect assessmentBasic acoustic tap testing and density checksMoisture content measurement and target rangesRough cutting billets and orienting the stickSeasoning schedules and storage conditionsLesson 5Tip making and head details: carving tip, tip plate fitting, rolling and finishing head profile; tools: knives, needle files, chiselsThis part explains shaping the bow head, fitting the tip plate, and smoothing the shape. You will carve the tip, set in and level the plate, curve the head, and finish with knives, chisels, and files safely.
Rough carving the head and tip outlineCutting and fitting the tip plate bedGluing and flushing the tip plate edgesRolling head profile and chamfer transitionsFinal head surface cleanup and detailingLesson 6Frog fabrication and fitting: cutting, mortising, dovetailing, slide shaping and eyelet seating; tools: chisels, files, lathes, gaugesLearn to make and fit the frog, including cutting to size, making mortises, dovetails, shaping the slide, and seating the eyelet. Focus on tool control, flat bases, and tight fits for smooth, quiet movement.
Squaring frog block and layout linesCutting mortises for hair and screwForming dovetail and slide channelShaping and fitting the slide and linerEyelet seating, clearance, and travelLesson 7Finishing and polishing: shellac/application methods, rubbing and buffing, surface protectionLearn finishing methods with shellac and similar coats. You will ready surfaces, put on thin even layers, rub between coats, and polish to a good shine while keeping feel, protection, and clear looks.
Surface preparation and pore fillingShellac mixing and application methodsDrying times and rub-out techniquesBuffing tools and controlled sheen levelsTouch-ups and long-term surface careLesson 8Hairing procedure and securing hair: selection, bundling, glueing to mortises, adjuster setup; tools: clamp blocks, staple techniques, glue applicationStudy the full hairing process, from picking and sorting hair to bundling, tying, gluing into holes, and setting the adjuster. Stress is on even tension, clean work, and firm holding with clamps and glue.
Selecting, sorting, and aligning bow hairForming bundles and tying end knotsPreparing mortises and glue applicationClamping, drying, and trimming hair endsAdjuster setup and tension equalizationLesson 9Cambering (heat and bending) and stabilisation: heat sources, bending forms, measuring camber and residual stresses; tools: bending iron, clamps, radius gaugesLook into bending with heat and forms. You will learn safe heating, bending steps, measuring curves, and steadying the stick while watching for twists, bounce-back, and leftover stresses.
Selecting heat source and safety setupHeating zones and bending orderUsing bending forms and clamping pointsMeasuring camber curve and reference arcsCooling, stabilization, and springback checksLesson 10Winding, grip and final shaping: wire winding techniques, thumb leather or grip application, final sanding and finishing; tools: winding mandrel, pliers, burnishersThis part details winding, grip fitting, and final shaping. You will do wire or silk winding, fit thumb leather or fake grips, shape the handle, and smooth surfaces while guarding earlier work.
Planning winding length and terminationWire and silk winding techniquesThumb leather cutting and gluing stepsHandle shaping and ergonomic refinementBurnishing and protecting adjacent areas
