Lesson 1Intermediate checks during each step: measuring weight, balance, straightness, and visual inspection pointsHere you will establish a routine of intermediate checks at each stage. You will measure weight, balance, straightness, and stiffness, record values, and use visual inspection points to catch problems early before they become irreversible.
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 section covers drilling the screw channel, fitting eyelets, and aligning hardware so the frog travels smoothly. You will learn tool selection, drilling sequences, tapping techniques, and how to correct minor alignment errors 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 section covers shaping and tapering the stick using planes, spokeshaves, and scrapers. You will establish longitudinal and transverse tapers, refine cross-sections, and maintain straightness and symmetry through frequent controlled 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 how to choose, test, and prepare bow wood, focusing on grain, density, and acoustic response. You will measure moisture, rough cut billets, and plan seasoning strategies while using saws, planes, and calipers safely and accurately.
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 section explains shaping the bow head, fitting the tip plate, and refining the profile. You will carve the tip, inlay and flush the plate, roll the head contours, and finish surfaces using knives, chisels, and needle 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 fabricate and fit the frog, including cutting to size, mortising, dovetailing, shaping the slide, and seating the eyelet. Tool control, reference surfaces, and precise clearances are emphasised for smooth, rattle-free operation.
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 strategies using shellac and compatible coatings. You will prepare surfaces, apply thin, even layers, rub out between coats, and buff to a controlled sheen while preserving feel, protection, and visual clarity.
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 complete hairing sequence, from selecting and sorting hair to bundling, tying, gluing into mortises, and setting the adjuster. Emphasis is placed on tension balance, clean work, and secure anchoring using clamps and glue control.
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 gaugesExplore cambering with controlled heat and bending forms. You will learn safe heating methods, bending sequences, measuring camber curves, and stabilising the stick while monitoring for twist, springback, and residual 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 section details winding, grip installation, and final shaping. You will practise wire or silk winding, fit thumb leather or synthetic grips, refine the handle profile, and burnish surfaces while protecting previous work.
Planning winding length and terminationWire and silk winding techniquesThumb leather cutting and gluing stepsHandle shaping and ergonomic refinementBurnishing and protecting adjacent areas
