Review: Well written short guide on making a simple bow
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 5, 2012
This short guide is well written with good illustrations. I read it on a Kindle DX and had to magnify a few of the pictures,but with the text, it's easy to follow.The author explains how to build a bow using a long piece of bamboo, a few basic hand tools, and some extra things like epoxy and cyanoacrylate glue (Superglue) and repurposed damaged inner tubes. Since a bow isn't complete without arrows, there is also a project for making dull arrows for target practice. He specifically says don't put a point on them. They are safe arrows to shoot at targets.While some of the things aren't actually easily accessible here like the reed grasses, bamboo is easy to find in almost any city. The instructions for the reed arrows could be adapted easily to other materials.As a good bonus, he also explains how to make a finger tab to keep your fingers from getting hurt on the bow string, and how to make an arm guard to prevent snapping your arm with the bow string.Even if you aren't going for your merit badge, making bows and target shooting with your family can be a lot of fun. Best for children who can handle a pocket knife, saw and drill safely.