Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Barrage on May 03, 2010, 05:41:17 pm
-
1) What diameter of bamboo (assuming a full diameter piece) can be used; and how wide of a bow does that assume?
2) Also, how serious are all the nicks and scratches on bamboo - will it blow? I've seen bamboo where the rind is all scratched and was wondering if it matters or not to the integrity of the bow / bamboo backing.
Thanks
-
I like 4" and larger diameter bamboo. With 4", a 1 1/4"- 11/2" wide bow is possible.
If the scratches are just in the rind they will be no problem.
-
I don't worry too much about scratches and nicks...when you see a gouge that's big enough to matter, you won't have to ask. You'll know.
Diameter depends. I've backed a couple of bows using the 1"~1.5" decorative bamboo you can find at Michaels/Hobby Lobby. You just have to use several strips. I'm also done a bow by splitting a small shoot into 1/16" fibers and laid them similar to sinew.
Bamboo is great to experiment with.
-
I use bamboo that is around 5" dia. I would think4" would be ok. . but it will have a higher crown and be slightly less efficient with all but the heavier woods. If you carefully check the nicks dont go deeper than the rind they dont usually cause problems
-
Thanks for the input guys.
Makenzie, I've been thinking of trying the multiple strip thing with the smaller dia bamboo. How'd that work out for you? Made any shooters?
-
It made nothing special...I make a lot of little dinky 25~35lb bows for kicks...mostly out of scraps, pallet wood, and leftover chunks of fiberglass....and so on.
I think if you're looking to make a shooter then your best bet, hands down, is to send knightd a PM. I will undoubtedly secure the bamboo for the bows I sell from him from now on.