Fletchers, or Arrow-makers Tools
8. The most Skilful Archer may not always hit the Mark, and the best Artist hath his intervals, which is the only end to inform us, that in this Life there is no perfection of parts, or satisfaction of Tools, for what is in use to day, may be cast aside tomorrow as useless, through the invention of a more fit and ingenious Instrument found out for that purpose, as is seen by many Antient Tools, now laid aside by several Trades, by reason of others new found out, that are more profitable or more active in their Operations: However, as I find them, take them, new and old together.
Flote
Image from proof plateCXXII. In this square are three Arrow-makers Tools. The first and chief is termed a Flote, it is an Iron Instrument all Teeth on the lower side, streight cross the same (as in the Curriers Instrument shewed numb.129) with an Iron crooked handle on the top: Its operation is for the working off the Timber, to make it in the shape of a Bow.
Piercer
Image from proof plateThe second is termed a Piercer, it is a kind of a square Head Bit, and is set in a Bush, and is to be used in a Brace, (as the Joyners use their Bit and Brace.)
Polisher
Image from proof plateThe third is a Polisher, which is to set a gloss and brightness upon their work.
Framing saw
Image from proof plateCXXIII. In this is two Instruments, the first is termed a Framing or a slitting Saw; a slender Saw set in an Iron Frame, with an Handle to take off and on; with this the Notch or Nick in the Arrow, for the Bow String to go in, is made.
Plane
Image from proof plateThe second, is a kind of a small half round Plain, of which the Fletchers have two sorts; the first is termed a Ripper; it is to make the rough work something fashionable, and put it in some form; the next is the Shaffe, or Hollow Shaffe, it worketh the same smooth and round, and fit to be made up into an Arrow.
Graver
Image from published plateCXXIV. He beareth in this square, first a Tool of theirs called a Graver; it is a long smooth Iron like a File set into an Handle, one of the sides thereof having Teeth like a Saw throughout the flat side, as I shewed you before in the Flote.
Cross bow shaft head
Image from published plateThe second is the form of a Cross Bow shaft head, such as was used in old Time.
Roman Quivers
Image from proof plateCXXV. He beareth in this square two kinds of Roman Quivers, for the Archers to keep their Darts and Arrows in: I call them Roman Quivers, because I find them so Coined on the Antient Roman Medals, or Moneys then in use. See others of another fashion chap.17. numb.76. 77.
Cuck stool
Image from proof plateCXXVI. He beareth a Cuck-stool, or a Ducking Tumbrel. Born by the name, or rather known for the Gogniznce of a Scold, being an instrument to cool Hot Fiery Tongued Women, which have their Tongues set on Fire by the Devil, which nothing can Tame except it be well Ducked.
Previous section
Next section
