Sugakji style thumb ring build attempt

Hey everyone, I recently decided to create a Sugakji style thumb ring after seeing it for the first time on this forum about a month ago. I had a tear drop (Amgakji) style ring that I just couldn't get to fit properly without causing pain even after a callus had formed on my thumb. I noticed this pain got worse when I got a 55# Kaya KTB which is much heavier than my previous bow of 35# and I couldn't hold a full draw comfortably for any period of time. This thumb rings subsection really helped me find more information on this style of thumb ring and I saw another individual who created one on ATARN and I based my rings structure of theirs.

To build this ring I used wood as the material, specifically a piece of ash firewood that I split into a semi square piece.
If you use wood make sure the grain runs perpendicular to the string.

The tools I used are a knife, sandpaper, vice-grip, and a handsaw. So you don't need much even though there are more effective tools for the job.

I wanted to make this thread so people could potentially have some more info or motivation to make this type of ring and just to offer something in return for the information I have found on this forum. If you have any input or advice feel free to comment on that I am by no means good at woodwork or related things.

This is what I started with and the ring in the picture is my current tear drop style.

I sketched out a rough outline on how I wanted to shape the ring on the piece of wood and put it into the vice-grip to cut with my handsaw.

I slowly started to get closer to my outline eventually getting to this...

In the picture above, I had the ring carved out into that shape already and I found it to be a potential issue when creating the hole for my thumb. Next time I make a ring or anyone else does I recommend that the side walls are not carved down into a form that is near its final shape unless you already made the hole. I was worried that the side walls would end up being to thin after the hole was made, common sense I guess  ..

The hole on a Sugakji style ring should be a little more circular than those found on tear drop shaped rings (from what I read and saw) and it is normally a bit larger due to the use of a shim to create a perfect fit.
To make the hole I put the ring in the vice-grip and used a spade bit to get the hole near a size that my thumb could start entering but not go through. Then I just used a normal bit to begin slowly increasing the size of the hole but I left some space because I knew I would have to sand the inside down.

The hole came out looking pretty messy but the fit is good and the inside is smooth with no indentations.

Once I had completed the hole I used a knife to begin to shape the knob on which the string would rest (on the curved side). I hope the pictures I post help show the shape of the knob.

After a lot of sanding to get things smooth and into a relatively symmetrical shape I used a torch to char the wood for looks instead of staining it or any other method. Before you do anything try the ring out, draw the string and make sure that it is comfortable. I noticed that after already sealing the ring, the string would like to sometimes jump out of the indentation on the curved side and rest next to my skin so I had to go back and make it deeper to fix the issue. 

Next I just sealed the ring with urethane and cut a strip of leather to use as a shim to make the ring fit tightly. This was the final product.

I noticed that sometimes the leather is glued on the ends to make a  ring which may be more convenient. Personally, I just slide the ring on and then by pushing my thumb towards one side I slide the strip of leather in (the ends are long v shaped) and pull it half way through so the wider portion is centered.

After using the ring the first 30 minutes or so felt strange but now it is perfect. I experience little to no pain and it’s a night and day difference from the tear drop ring I had. Although, I am sure a perfectly fitted tear drop shaped ring is just as good. After my short experience with this type of ring I won’t be going back to the Amgakji or other shapes. I can finally hold my draws at full length comfortably without pain for more than a few seconds. I will definitely make another more polished one sometime.

I hope my experience can help anyone interested in this style of ring or those who cannot get the tear drop shape to fit comfortably. If you want other photos just ask.

These may also be helpful.