Fan question

[aNishKwe]

Okay, so I located a fan handle, not detacheable but whole, which is still fine :)

However, I am wondering what do you use to attach the feathers to the fan. Is there a specific name for that material/piece that I can seek out, perhaps at a art store?
I'd like to attempt threadwork on it eventually or paint it etc..

[milehighsalute]

Okay, so I located a fan handle, not detacheable but whole, which is still fine :)

However, I am wondering what do you use to attach the feathers to the fan. Is there a specific name for that material/piece that I can seek out, perhaps at a art store?
I'd like to attempt threadwork on it eventually or paint it etc..

there is some stuff called glue that seems to work well

[OLChemist]

I assume since you are talking about threadworm, you are using extenders with your feathers. So, are you asking about attaching the feathers to the extenders or the extenders to the handle?

Attaching the feathers to the extenders; There are probably as many ways as there are fan makers. If I am using extenders with threadwork, I carve a small point and sometimes a ledge to match the diameter of the extender to the shaft of the feather. (Not necessary on bamboo skewers.) If the shaft is intact I cut away the tip, so I can access the pith in the feathers. To keep from splitting the shaft, I take a drill bit, slightly smaller than the diameter of extender, and give it a few turns with my fingers to drill a pilot hole. Then I dip the expender in glue -- I use hide glue, other folks use contact cement or E6000 -- and gently push it in. I wrap the joint and lower, bare section of the shaft with glue soaked paper or strong adhesive tape. Then I do my shingling and add any ermine or leather trim.

Attaching the extenders to the handle: Depending on the desired shape of the final fan and to some degree whether I'm beading the handle before attaching the feathers, I use one of two methods. I either carve a slot in the handle or make a shelf. I fasten the feathers to a sheet of cardboard, held their final positions with removable scotch tape. Then I glue the extender ends into the slot or onto the shelf. I use wood glue, since still wet spills can be cleaned up with water and it gives me time to adjust anything that moves. If I used the shelf, once dry I fill in the gaps between the dowels with wood filler to smooth it out before covering with leather.


In the thread below, I drew some sketches of the method I use for both of the above. There are some more details, too.

Making Flat fans