Wing Fan quistion

[OA_Dancer05]

Does anyone know how to put the handle on a wing fan? I have a wing but I don't know how to put the handle on. :-)

[andre]

Do you have a wooden handle that you want to attach?

I have used bondo (it's like spackle for your car) to shape the bottom of the wing into a handle and then wrapped it. I have also used sinew and wrapped a turkey foot to the wing bone. If you are wanting to put a prefab or hand made wooden handle on, I would suggest 2 part epoxy.

[OA_Dancer05]

I don't have a handle yet....but I am going to get one.

[Wojapi4Me]

Why put a handle on? Wing fans have a sort of natural handle. Just put leather around the bottom and you're done.

[andre]

I agree with Singerdad. Just make sure your wing is totally dry, otherwise your leather will discolor (which I think is okay) and it may get sticky or stinky.

[tigger]

singerdad's idea is the best way to do it.

[Privateer6]

For another way of making a wing fan, chek out htis site http://library.thinkquest.org/3081/wingfan.htm

Hope this helps.
GJJudd

[sunbursthonor]

Wait!!!

Si-Yo,
Before you wrap it with leather. Take a piece of cardboard or ply-wood and cut it to the size and shape of the part where you are going to put the leather for the handle. This just adds extra support.
Wa-Do,
Mike Silent Warrior

[Wojapi4Me]

The cardboard isn't necessary. You don't need extra support, you're wrapping the leather around a bone.

GJJudd - thanks for sharing that link. That seems like a decent way to do it, but to me, it seems like a lot of work and a lot of steps to accomplish the same thing. I just don't see the need for a handle or extra support.

[Privateer6]

SD,
No problem, I used a fan like the one described in the link, and one like you described. It liked the one with the handle better. But again it's all about what the dancer likes and makes him comfortable. Besides I didn't have much of a bone to work with when I made my fan.

One thing I do suggest is take your time making it. "Measure twice, cut once;" I had some "fun" cutting and glueing the leather for the handle. It's not perfect, but with my sis-in-laws help it is now a nice one.
GJJudd

[OA_Dancer05]

okay, thanks everybody. I talked to a guy I know yesterday and he said the same thing.

[travelingmocs]

I was given a fan last year, and I am not sure whats under the covering. But I am sure it was done the old way were you let the wing dry, and DRY REAL GOOD, and then wraped with trade cloth, and then the two ends hang down. It looks cool. If I get a chance I will post a picture of the handle.



TMS

[OA_Dancer05]

I'd like to see a pic. of it. It sounds pretty cool. Thanks everyone for you help.

OA_Dancer05