Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Del the cat on December 03, 2012, 06:28:49 am

Title: Bandsaw tpi for bamboo?
Post by: Del the cat on December 03, 2012, 06:28:49 am
Title pretty much says it all!
I'm finally going to get round to bamboo backing my Oregon Yew heartwood. Thought I'd ask you guys before screwing up rather than after :laugh:
Del
Title: Re: Bandsaw tpi for bamboo?
Post by: Roy on December 03, 2012, 08:40:52 am
6 will do, I've cut it with 4. When I cut it out I stay about a 1/16th from my line, then get to the line with hand tools.
Title: Re: Bandsaw tpi for bamboo?
Post by: Del the cat on December 03, 2012, 08:50:13 am
Cheers, I've got a 6 on there at the mo'.
Planning to rough it out beforerasping/sanding to thickness to minimise the work.
Not used boo before so I'm taking it easy... shout if you see me going wrong ;)
Del
Title: Re: Bandsaw tpi for bamboo?
Post by: Roy on December 03, 2012, 09:11:25 am
I taper my boo thickness from 1/8th at the handle to 1/16th at the tips for BBO bows.
Title: Re: Bandsaw tpi for bamboo?
Post by: MWirwicki on December 03, 2012, 09:36:09 am
I use a 14 tooth.  I end up with a smooth cut.  Keep the vacuum on though.  Bamboo dust can be harmful to your lungs, they say.
Title: Re: Bandsaw tpi for bamboo?
Post by: Del the cat on December 03, 2012, 09:44:14 am
I use a 14 tooth.  I end up with a smooth cut.  Keep the vacuum on though.  Bamboo dust can be harmful to your lungs, they say.
Just thought, I have an unused fine tooth non ferous metal cutting blade which came with the bandsaw, that might be worth a try.
Yup I'll keep the vacuum on...

Done it with the 6tpi, no prob :laugh:.
Started grinding it down on the belt sander, slow and steady, that's one job I wouldn't want to try by hand.
Looks nice freshly sanded, I'm going to leave the joints nice and proud on the back :)
Thanks for the advice.
Del
Title: Re: Bandsaw tpi for bamboo?
Post by: Roy on December 03, 2012, 04:03:02 pm
On the nodes, just sand off that little jagged edge is all ya gotta do.
Title: Re: Bandsaw tpi for bamboo?
Post by: vyadha on December 03, 2012, 11:28:10 pm
What grit on the belt sander for flattening are you using?
Title: Re: Bandsaw tpi for bamboo?
Post by: Del the cat on December 04, 2012, 02:04:42 pm
What grit on the belt sander for flattening are you using?
80
Del
Title: Re: Bandsaw tpi for bamboo?
Post by: Tom Leemans on December 04, 2012, 02:55:57 pm
I use a 4 TPI positive claw Timberwolf for most everything I cut. I have yet to thin my boo on my belt sander. I suppose it's mainly because the sanding surface is only about 2 feet long. I have a jointer too, but the blades better be scary sharp or you risk tear out. I only go until the surface is just flat, then switch to hand tools. I've always planed it down with a very sharp plane (watch for splinters!!!) and finish out with a toothing plane. Measure the thickness at the crown, not the edges.