Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: sieddy on May 10, 2014, 12:53:03 pm

Title: Ash backing for an ipe bow?
Post by: sieddy on May 10, 2014, 12:53:03 pm
Hi all what are peoples views on the above? I've got access to an ipe flooring board and a white ash board.
Thanks in advance
Title: Re: Ash backing for an ipe bow?
Post by: DarkSoul on May 10, 2014, 01:02:32 pm
Ash will work, but maple would be better and hickory or bamboo probably best.
Title: Re: Ash backing for an ipe bow?
Post by: arachnid on May 10, 2014, 03:16:06 pm
White oak will also make a good baking for ipe.
Title: Re: Ash backing for an ipe bow?
Post by: sieddy on May 10, 2014, 03:40:09 pm
Thanks chaps I knew I could count on PA for some good input.  My ideal would be bamboo but it's hard to come by and expensive here whereas the ash is available and cheap! I should get two or there potential bows from the ipe board so I might be able to experiment. :)
Title: Re: Ash backing for an ipe bow?
Post by: sieddy on May 10, 2014, 03:43:24 pm
Oak is an interesting suggestion. We've got plenty of that here in the uk
Title: Re: Ash backing for an ipe bow?
Post by: DarkSoul on May 10, 2014, 04:14:27 pm
Not all oaks are the same. English oak is not as strong as American white oak. I'm not sure if English oak would work, but I think I would prefer white oak over ash, over English oak.
Title: Re: Ash backing for an ipe bow?
Post by: PatM on May 10, 2014, 04:29:53 pm
Jaroslav has posted a nice Ash backed Ipe bow and rates it very highly. You can a find a few other examples as well. I have used outer growth ring Ash backing on Ipe. It works very well.
Title: Re: Ash backing for an ipe bow?
Post by: sieddy on May 10, 2014, 05:45:05 pm
Top input fellas. With regard to an effective ash backing would that have to be from a log  or would a kiln dried piece of board do the job?
Title: Re: Ash backing for an ipe bow?
Post by: mikekeswick on May 11, 2014, 10:35:12 am
Kiln dried would be fine but it must be straight grained. Like straight edge straight.