Crafted to hit the mark
IN a quiet workshop tucked inside an indoor archery range in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, the rhythmic hum of belt grinders and the hiss of mechanised cutters form the soundtrack to Wong Woon Woon's craft.
A traditional archer by passion, Wong ventured into bow-making just two years ago.
It started as a curious side project and has since evolved into a disciplined, deeply personal journey.
'I started from scratch,' Wong recalls with a smile. 'The first bow I ever made was awful. I've kept it as a reminder to keep improving.'
Wong selecting bow blanks to be shaped in his workshop.
Bow-making, he says, is a skill honed over time – with patience, practice and mentorship from seasoned bowyers.
As he refined his technique, Wong began tailoring his designs for local needs, focusing on bows that blend tradition with everyday usability.
His early prototypes used a layered lamination of wood and synthetic compounds, bonded with special adhesives.
But that approach hit a snag.
'The glue oxidises and loses its strength,' Wong said. 'And with the number of bows I needed to produce, it just wasn't practical or cost-effective to do the lamination entirely by hand.'
A plastic protective coat is removed before the bow blank is ground into shape on a belt sanding machine.
To overcome this, Wong partnered with a trusted overseas supplier to produce pre-laminated bow blanks based on his custom design.
It was a turning point.
'The supplier can replicate my design with minimal flaws,' he said. 'That lets me focus entirely on the shaping and finishing – which are the most crucial stages in determining the bow's final look and feel.'
Each handcrafted traditional bow retails for around RM1,100 and comes as a complete package, including a custom bowstring and a handmade bow sock.
Despite juggling coaching sessions and beginner archery classes, Wong still carves out time to fulfil orders.
Each laminated bow is inspected thoroughly before the finishing process.
Once bow blanks arrive in batches, shaping begins immediately.
His workshop, though modest, is well-equipped with belt grinders, cutting tools and a small finishing area – all within the same building as his range.
Safety is non-negotiable. Wong suits up in a protective coverall and respirator during the shaping process.
'Dust from wood and composite laminates is hazardous to the lungs,' he explained. 'It's important to take proper precautions.'
Each bow is hand-finished, and no two bows are the same.
The process takes about two weeks – one for shaping, another for finishing. Before delivery, each bow is tested to ensure performance and durability.
'We guarantee the bow for one year against delamination,' said Wong. 'If anything happens, we'll replace it, no questions asked.'
So far, he has crafted over 50 traditional bows, most of them sold to local archers across Malaysia.
Wong dressed in protective gear during the stock removal process.
No international orders yet – but he's hopeful.
'I've not had any overseas inquiries so far,' he said. 'But it would be great if it happens.'
Wong's journey is proof that passion, patience and a steady hand can shape more than wood – it can shape legacy.
Wong applying the finishing touches on a custom-made bow.
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Despite juggling coaching sessions and beginner archery classes, Wong still carves out time to fulfil orders. IN a quiet workshop tucked inside an indoor archery range in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, the rhythmic hum of belt grinders and the hiss of mechanised cutters form the soundtrack to Wong Woon Woon's craft. A traditional archer by passion, Wong ventured into bow-making just two years ago. It started as a curious side project and has since evolved into a disciplined, deeply personal journey. 'I started from scratch,' Wong recalls with a smile. 'The first bow I ever made was awful. I've kept it as a reminder to keep improving.' Wong selecting bow blanks to be shaped in his workshop. Bow-making, he says, is a skill honed over time – with patience, practice and mentorship from seasoned bowyers. As he refined his technique, Wong began tailoring his designs for local needs, focusing on bows that blend tradition with everyday usability. His early prototypes used a layered lamination of wood and synthetic compounds, bonded with special adhesives. But that approach hit a snag. 'The glue oxidises and loses its strength,' Wong said. 'And with the number of bows I needed to produce, it just wasn't practical or cost-effective to do the lamination entirely by hand.' A plastic protective coat is removed before the bow blank is ground into shape on a belt sanding machine. To overcome this, Wong partnered with a trusted overseas supplier to produce pre-laminated bow blanks based on his custom design. It was a turning point. 'The supplier can replicate my design with minimal flaws,' he said. 'That lets me focus entirely on the shaping and finishing – which are the most crucial stages in determining the bow's final look and feel.' Each handcrafted traditional bow retails for around RM1,100 and comes as a complete package, including a custom bowstring and a handmade bow sock. Despite juggling coaching sessions and beginner archery classes, Wong still carves out time to fulfil orders. Each laminated bow is inspected thoroughly before the finishing process. Once bow blanks arrive in batches, shaping begins immediately. His workshop, though modest, is well-equipped with belt grinders, cutting tools and a small finishing area – all within the same building as his range. Safety is non-negotiable. Wong suits up in a protective coverall and respirator during the shaping process. 'Dust from wood and composite laminates is hazardous to the lungs,' he explained. 'It's important to take proper precautions.' Each bow is hand-finished, and no two bows are the same. The process takes about two weeks – one for shaping, another for finishing. Before delivery, each bow is tested to ensure performance and durability. 'We guarantee the bow for one year against delamination,' said Wong. 'If anything happens, we'll replace it, no questions asked.' So far, he has crafted over 50 traditional bows, most of them sold to local archers across Malaysia. Wong dressed in protective gear during the stock removal process. No international orders yet – but he's hopeful. 'I've not had any overseas inquiries so far,' he said. 'But it would be great if it happens.' Wong's journey is proof that passion, patience and a steady hand can shape more than wood – it can shape legacy. Wong applying the finishing touches on a custom-made bow.
