Josh -- thanks, though I don't think I have much of a chance with robustus' chariot bow, that thing is impressive! lol
Frode -- No problem, the power fibers are the very outer fibers of bamboo, and are named such because all the near magical stuff you hear about bamboo is almost solely due to them. If you play around with some bamboo (any type or size, really) you'll notice the difference right away. In fact, the bamboo gets weaker as you go closer to the center, which is originally why I was thinking of doing this; to cut out the weak stuff that didn't do much. As to how to extract it, I'll explain below.
Del -- yeah, I kinda put that recurve a little far in the limb, and ignored the rest. Theoretically it is supposed to make it better, and man can you feel the let off when the string lifts off them! So apparently it works. As for calling them something, I think I'll just go with severely procrastinated reflex.
Orkraider -- Thanks, I like the fact that almost every place I've been too has this stuff easily available, no excuses to not do bamboo backings. I'd be more than happy to post something. Below is a small intro to getting the strips.
First what you'll need is some smaller diameter bamboo. The stuff I'm using here is sold in 6 or 5 ft stalks at Home Depot in packages of a half dozen or so, but I'm sure almost any bamboo that size would work.
You'll want a rather sharp knife, the sharper the easier this will be. Start where I've indicated in the first picture; right at the node. You'll want to start the blade under the little lip and head that direction, as that'll make it much easier.
Cut inwards at a small angle by just pressing on the back of the blade while it's under that lip. It'll be difficult for the first 1/2 inch or so, and look like the second picture. It'll then suddenly split, and now what you cut will be straight along the grain and come off in a neat strip, instead of a curled little end.
As you're progressing down the shaft, make sure you keep the knife angled inwards, like in the fifth picture. Otherwise the split will run out and you'll end up with a very short strip. Too much inwards pressure, though, and you'll end up with a hunk of bamboo instead of a strip of power fibers. A bit of practice, and you'll be able to do it easily.
The split will end at the next node. And that's that! I tend to make some things more complicated than they sound, so I'd say get out and give it a shot, it's really rather simple. The other bonus of working with this stuff is that it's as cheap as dirt.
To glue them on the bow, just bend them a bit and clamp them flat when gluing. A gap-filling glue might save you a headache, as there are several "gaps" in mine, though I'm sure you could avoid them if you were so inclined.
Well, good luck if you try, and definitely post the results!
[attachment deleted by admin]
