Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Lee Lobbestael on September 13, 2011, 07:01:35 pm

Title: Bamboo backed ERC
Post by: Lee Lobbestael on September 13, 2011, 07:01:35 pm

Has anybody made a bamboo backed eastern red cedar bow? Is this a good combo? I have never used erc but have heard that it has poor tension strength. How is it under compression?

Title: Re: Bamboo backed ERC
Post by: dragonman on September 13, 2011, 07:11:40 pm

I would say erc is definately too soft to back with bamboo. the harder belly wood the better to match the strength of the bamboo

Title: Re: Bamboo backed ERC
Post by: blackhawk on September 13, 2011, 07:16:42 pm

I've heard to trap the boo with this combo,or make your boo super thin or both, but never done it myself. But I have made a hickory backed ERC that worked out well.

Title: Re: Bamboo backed ERC
Post by: sonny on September 13, 2011, 10:03:46 pm

I sent some billets to a guy in Germany several years ago and he tried it with a sinew backing but the
drying sinew pulled the sapwood up away from the heartwood. He then decrowned it and backed with bamboo,
said it was one of the best combos he had ever used.
I wish I knew the details but it's been too long to remember- I know he made a flatbow but have no idea of the
length, width........wish I was more help.
 

Title: Re: Bamboo backed ERC
Post by: M-P on September 14, 2011, 02:31:55 am

I've only made one bberc, but it is a killer bow in looks and performance.   The limbs were wide so the backing was fairly thick.   I did trap the backing so only ~ the center 1/3 of the backing still had the  "power fibers"   Ron(http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc270/May-Pumphrey/rafflebowhandledetail.jpg)(http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc270/May-Pumphrey/rafflebowbraced.jpg)

Title: Re: Bamboo backed ERC
Post by: mullet on September 14, 2011, 09:54:14 am

 I've made one also. It's still shooting five years later.