Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Colt45 on March 03, 2009, 11:31:11 pm

Title: 52" Juniper bamboo backed bow *help*
Post by: Colt45 on March 03, 2009, 11:31:11 pm

I'm working on a Juniper bow it is 52" long. It's going to be very light, possibly 30 pounds. I plan on backing in with bamboo. We have bamboo shoots about 2 1/2"- 3" in diameter and I was wondering what the best way to go about backing it would be? Also I wanted to recurve it too. Thank You!!  :] Oh by the way the juniper is from southern UT I'm not sure what species it is.

Title: Re: 52" Juniper bamboo backed bow *help*
Post by: Justin Snyder on March 03, 2009, 11:55:34 pm

Split the bamboo into thirds then sand the inside until you have a flat surface.  If you are really lucky you will have a piece wide enough back the bow.  Where in Southern Utah?  It is more than likely One Seed Juniper. Justin

Title: Re: 52" Juniper bamboo backed bow *help*
Post by: Colt45 on March 04, 2009, 04:35:59 am

I believe you've met Justin Milbrandt, my older brother. I am Colton Milbrandt, and I live in St. George Utah same as you.

Title: Re: 52" Juniper bamboo backed bow *help*
Post by: Keenan on March 04, 2009, 10:40:03 am

 Juniper and boo makes a fast bow however you need to be carefull not to have the boo to thick. It can easily overpower the juniper and cause excess set.  I would thin the boo to no thicker then 1/8 on the nodes and about 1/16  on the rest. Also if you are doing recurves you will need to steam in the curves on the boo first this will help on the glue up. I would also glue in some reflex as it will take some set.

Title: Re: 52" Juniper bamboo backed bow *help*
Post by: Colt45 on March 04, 2009, 07:19:01 pm

Thank you, But say my boo isn't wide enough? Could I lay two strips side by side?