The hand tools behind Arcos Zapicán Handmade Bows
By Walter Abelenda – Arcos Zapicán
*Crafting with tradition, patience, and respect for the wood.*
At Arcos Zapicán, every bow is born from a quiet, deliberate process. No machines, no shortcuts—just wood, hands, and a set of trusted tools. This way of working is slow by design. It allows the bowyer to connect deeply with each stave, reading the wood’s story and responding with care.
The work begins with a drawknife, used to strip bark and shape the rough form. From there, rasps, hand files, and the elegant spokeshave refine the limbs into their graceful curves. For the most delicate adjustments, scrapers are used to shave off paper-thin layers of wood.
One of the most crucial steps is tillering—shaping the limbs so they bend evenly under tension. This is where the tillering tree becomes indispensable. It allows the bow to be strung and drawn in stages, revealing exactly how each limb is moving. With each test pull, the bowyer can see and feel where to remove more wood—or leave it alone. Without the tillering tree, balance and power can’t be properly achieved.
Other essential tools include calipers for precise measurements, a tillering stick to check draw lengths, and a sturdy bench vise to hold the stave in place. The final touch is sanding and finishing, done entirely by hand using natural oils and waxes to nourish and protect the wood.
These hand tools are more than just instruments—they are extensions of the artisan’s intent. They bring patience, intuition, and tradition into every curve of the bow. At Arcos Zapicán, we don’t just build bows. We bring them to life.