Rattan kids' bows

[Shaun]

I am planning to order some rattan for kids' bows and was wondering what size. I see Bamboo and Rattan Works Inc has it in six different diameters from 3/4 - 7/8" up to 1 3/4 - 2". Seems like the stuff I've used at MOJam and other places was about 1"+. Anyone know the correct size for these bows?

[gudspelr]

I haven't built one, but was looking around a little while back since I have a 4 year old.  Here's a site with instructions, etc. for a Rattan kids bow.  Hope it helps

 http://www.bowyersedge.com/kidsbows.html


Jeremy

[Shaun]

Yep, he calls for 1 5/8" size. Thanks.

[Tom Leemans]

Beat me to it.
1-1/2 -1-3/4" manau rattan. If you get it from Bamboo and Rattan Works, just tell them what you need it for and they'll know. Also, I believe a full length piece is 9 feet, so we had them cut in half and the length is just right. If there is a bruise in the limb area, try to rip your 2 halves so the bruise will be near the edge of a limb, then all or most will be sawn off while you cut it to outline. When you bandsaw them out, draw the handle in but leave the handle area full width as some pieces aren't as stiff. You can shape the handle with a belt sander if need be. If you need any more info, drop me a line.

p.s. I forgot to mention that Harbor Freight Tools has started carrying the coarse grit Alumina Zirconia sander belts now. I use 50 grit.

[Swissbow]

The one I made for my daughter was 1 3/4, so it was thick enough to add an arrow shelf. BTW rattan is perfect if you want to build a recurve bow. You just have to temper the recurves with a heat gun after bending them.

----------
Andy

[Tommy Leach]

Shawn,
PM JD Jones, he ordered the Rattan for our kids bows at OJAM and can give you the info. We expected to build around 50, and the kids just kept coming. We built nearly 90 bows in 2 1/2 hours. They were really easy to build with just a little coaching from JD and reading Dean's how to. Good Luck - Tommy

[Aeronut]

Here's a shot of JD making one at OJAM.  1 minute - 17 seconds of sanding.

The smile on the little girl's face is priceless.

   

Dennis