Hi,
I will be in Seoul for a few days and was wondering if there are any good traditional archery supply stores or markets carrying supplies that are worth visiting? I would like to pick up some horn thumbrings.
1 2017-07-20 10:09:54
Topic: horn thumbring in Seoul (0 replies, posted in Thumb Rings)
2 2016-11-11 09:02:08
Re: Applying Birch Bark Backing (13 replies, posted in Bows)
I just heard back from someone who works with Korean bowyers. He asked them how they attach birch bark and was told they use synthetic glue (like that used for wood or plastic), diluted with paint thinner and applied several times (2-3) over both the bow and the strips of bark before attaching them. He also said they normally insert a sponge-like material between the bark and bow.
3 2016-11-07 04:31:19
Re: Applying Birch Bark Backing (13 replies, posted in Bows)
Mule wrote:
pclgorman wrote:Thanks for the replies, very interesting. Someone forwarded me this link:
I have a subtitled version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cicYRzWss74
Thanks! Ah, so he is applying the bark when it's still damp.
4 2016-11-07 04:30:03
Re: Applying Birch Bark Backing (13 replies, posted in Bows)
Maru wraps hemp until mid-limb, then varnishes it?? also puts ray skin next to the grip. https://www.facebook.com/taesik.seo.5/p … 3913620888
You would use a serving wrap or a whip finish for thread.
I wouldn't spray the bark, just maybe rub it with shellac. I wonder what to add to the shellac to make it more flexible.. maybe the button lac is flexible enough already. but it probably wouldn't look like those Korean bows. They seem to use oil and/or wax, maybe tung oil would work nicely. Or tea seed oil. Or.. sunflower oil?!? Some oil that doesn't go rancid.
Hmm, I like the idea of using tung oil for the varnish. Might try that.
5 2016-11-06 06:15:18
Re: Applying Birch Bark Backing (13 replies, posted in Bows)
Thanks for the replies, very interesting. Someone forwarded me this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6qRnTVM2KU
The bowyer applies the bark at around 2:00. Seems he boils it and applies it in strips using (fish?) glue. I wonder if the best method would be applying it with fish glue, which is water soluble, after the bark is softened, and then spraying the bark with some kind of water-proof sealant, like the stuff used by art students to seal a charcoal or pencil sketch?
Someone also suggested applying the birch bark in a very thin single layer, and then adding one more thin layer on top.
"I've been thinking about and researching it because I want to overhaul my bow too. Replace the old cracked birch, redo the bindings (from monofilament to something more natural), grip and the leather wraps on the nocks etc"
I was thinking of doing the same thing, replacing the bindings with some strong nylon thread. Any good tutorials for this? Will it be strong enough (as strong as the monofilament used on the SMG)? I've seen some bows with much longer bindings (sometimes it seems like they've wrapped thread over half of the bow), wouldn't this have an impact on the flexibility of the bow?
6 2016-11-04 02:11:11
Topic: Applying Birch Bark Backing (13 replies, posted in Bows)
I was wondering if anyone has experience applying birch bark to their bow? I have a SMG with artificial bark that I'd like to replace with real bark but would like more information about how to do it properly before attempting the job myself. Anyone know what kind of glue is used, what kind of varnish (if any)? A step-by-step guide would be hugely helpful.
7 2016-05-10 05:08:50
Re: Thumb ring problems and numbness (13 replies, posted in Thumb Rings)
morton509, tough looking leather thumb ring. If I go back to using leather I think I might give this design a try and make my own. Thanks for the link!
8 2016-05-10 04:19:26
Re: Thumb ring problems and numbness (13 replies, posted in Thumb Rings)
Thanks for the tips and suggestions!
I am happy with the fit of the ring but I think Mule is right that the angle of the lip is just too difficult for me to get used to. I have enlarged the shelf with a small file and it seems to have helped a little, but I think I still prefer a bit more protection around the joint.
I used a leather thumb ring before and agree that for me at least, it's the easiest to control, but pulling anything beyond 35 lbs starts to feel uncomfortable, especially after a few rounds of shooting.
I've actually been thinking of picking up a vermil classic thumb ring with the string guard (either brass or silver). Anyone had any experience with their stuff?
9 2016-05-09 04:01:40
Re: Thumb ring problems and numbness (13 replies, posted in Thumb Rings)
Thanks. I think it may be more a problem of style of shooting.
There is a pretty active traditional archery community in China, and this guy came highly-recommended for his horn rings. You send him your thumb measurements and he sends three rings (one with the exact measurements, one smaller, one bigger). You use the rings for two weeks and then keep the one that fits. After shooting for a while, and after my thumb developed some callousing, the horn ring I kept fits perfectly imo. But I find it very difficult to get the angle right for that the string doesn't slip off and into the joint. The other ring, on the other hand, while being a little loose, is much easier to use because of the lip, that allows a deeper draw. If I can't correct the draw with this ring, I guess I'll stick with the more traditional one (or try to find a traditional one with a slightly smaller fit)
10 2016-05-08 13:30:38
Re: SMG laminated horn bow from Gungsulwon (16 replies, posted in Bows)
After languishing in Chinese Customs limbo for around a month, I was finally able to pick up the SMG I had ordered through Gungsulwon. The box it came in offered little-to-no protection (no padding or other protection, just cardboard sides of the box) and was the worse for wear (never again will I order anything remotely fragile that needs to be delivered through China Post). Fortunately the bow looked undamaged, and after use I was able to confirm that it was alright. It's a great bow that I am happy survived shipping. Unfortunately Gungsulwon won't tell me what model this is or how exactly it differs (if it does) from the SMG models on the company website (just that it's made of "carbonic material" and is laminated). I'm guessing it's the fake horn/ fiberglass horn bow as opposed to the carbon bow model. Can anyone tell based on the code on the siyah?
11 2016-05-08 13:09:46
Topic: Thumb ring problems and numbness (13 replies, posted in Thumb Rings)
I'm new to Asian/Korean archery. First started at the end of last year practicing with a friend's Zhang Li Han bow. gradually getting used to heaver bows, and picked up my first bow back in March (45lb SMG laminated fiber glass). Before using the SMG I had borrowed the friend's leather thumb ring. I started shooting with what I was told was a more modern horn ring (first of two pics below):
and I found it very difficult to pull back without having the string slip or at least lean in a bit on the joint of my thumb. After one session, I found the tip of my thumb was a little numb/tingly. I stopped shooting for a few weeks to let it recover, but I've been wary about returning to the ring, instead opting for a more traditional style (second pic). Anyone else encountered this problem? Any advice for how to correct it?
12 2016-02-18 12:47:47
Re: SMG laminated horn bow from Gungsulwon (16 replies, posted in Bows)
Just ordered the SMG OEM Laminated bow they have in their shop. The seller says it's made with "carbonic layers" and that it is very similar to the carbon bow that SMG sell on their website, but is an OEM product with some differences. Anyone have an idea what the differences might be? Anyways, after not getting any replies from SMG, and seeing the high mark ups on other sites I decided to give these guys a try. Now the waiting begins. Will post pics and review once it arrives.