Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Scott E on March 09, 2011, 05:06:50 pm
-
Hi guys, I'm getting back into the saddle after a two year break, and its good to be back. Just finished the BBH is started for my brother two years ago. Now I'm going to build a bamboo backed ipe flat bow, 62"-64" ntn, 50# @ 27", I usually make a stiff handle area. I never used ipe, so I am uncertain of the required dimensions and characteristics of the wood. I have TB3, Smooth On and Urac 185, would any of these work? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Scott
-
John Strunk just helped me glue up a BBI and its 66 ttt used Urac 185, stiff handle 1 1/8 at the fades tapering to 3/8 at the tips. Thickness of the ipe after rought out with the bandsaw is 1/2" at the fade to around 3/8 at the tips. This thing is still very stiff (not floor tillered) and could easily make a heavy bow from it but I will be shooting for 60#.
-
Ipe needs to be narrow and boo can also. I'd go between 1" to 1 1/4" at the fades to 3/8" or less at the tips. You should have no problems getting a 50#@27" bow with this combo. If you decide to go on the wider side and you find the belly getting thin start remove wood from the sides instead of the belly.
-
If you intend to use a power lamination between the boo and ipe you can go 3/8" thick through the middle and taper to 1/4" to the tips.
-
Thanks Elktracker and Pat B, those dimensions sound like a plan, I will keep the width around 1"-1 1/8" . Thanks NTD, I am not planning on using a power lamination on this bow, but maybe on the next.
I just received my ipe board, it is quarter sawn, fairly straight grained with a few small swirls (knots?) that go from front to back. Would these be a problem even with a bamboo backing? I had to order it from a company that sells it for decking, so I could not hand pick the board.
-
Oh boy, I glued up the bow today with Urac 185. The glue is three years old, and just I found out it has a shelf life.
-
It wasnt in the fridge, it was in a cool basement.
-
Let us know how it works out, I will cross my fingers for you ;) I would think you would know if it was going to fail for the most part by the time its shot in ???
-
Well, I have good news and bad news. The good news is the Urac 185 worked fine. The bad news is I missed my target weight by way too much. I messed up and had to remove too much belly wood to catch up to my mistake. Its a bummer, it was my first R/D bow, it looks nice so I will finish it and hang it on the wall. Oh well, live and learn. Back to the drawing board.
-
Don't hang it, give it to someone who will shoot it. Kids and some women love those light weight bow. I am glad to har that your urac worked cuz I've got some here that is a bit on the old side of life. Nothin like three years, mine is just a yeasr tops.
-
Got any pics ;D
-
Elktracker, I finally put a finish on the bow. The tiller is not great. When cutting the belly taper I went too deep at the fades and wasted too much wood catching up to my mistake. I got to 30# and said good enough, any more tillering and there won't be any belly wood left. I got another bow glued up today with a hickory backing and not 3 year old Urac ;D
-
Thats looks good ;)
Josh
-
Thanks