Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Selfbowman on March 11, 2026, 12:06:58 pm

Title: Question about Osage and bamboo??
Post by: Selfbowman on March 11, 2026, 12:06:58 pm

Is Osage or bamboo stronger in compression? Has anyone tried putting bamboo on the belly of Osage selfbow?

Title: Re: Question about Osage and bamboo??
Post by: Pat B on March 11, 2026, 12:11:49 pm

I know folks that make boo back and belly bows but never heard of boo belly Osage bow. Generally compression in Osage isn't a problem even with a boo backing. I'd like to hear what your thinking is.

Title: Re: Question about Osage and bamboo??
Post by: Selfbowman on March 11, 2026, 12:36:01 pm

Pat I have a boo backed Osage that holds two flight broadhead records. The bow took some set though. Probably my tiller or lack of.i think the boo over powered the Osage. So my thought is reverse the materials and see what happens. Will the back fail? Just curiosity Getting me. I know it would be a tiller nightmare but I think I’m going to try it.

Title: Re: Question about Osage and bamboo??
Post by: Pat B on March 11, 2026, 02:44:46 pm

Well, keep us posted. This will be interesting.  :OK

Title: Re: Question about Osage and bamboo??
Post by: Burnsie on March 12, 2026, 07:41:33 pm

Arvin - On *Bay there is a bow made by Vincent Minor. It is his Canebrake model.
The seller says it is bamboo and Osage - no glass.  Looking at the pictures it appears to have the boo on both back and belly.
Vincent quit making bows awhile ago, but I recall Trad folks speaking highly of them - the seller certainly does.
So it looks like boo on both sides is not a crazy idea.
It is item # 306818066922 on the site.

Title: Re: Question about Osage and bamboo??
Post by: Selfbowman on March 13, 2026, 12:18:42 am

I ve seen boo on the back and belly before. I’m just curious about tension between Osage and boo.

Title: Re: Question about Osage and bamboo??
Post by: Pat B on March 13, 2026, 12:25:49 am

I've known Vinson Minor for over 25 years. I took a boo back bow class from him in 2000 and have one of his boo backed and belly bows that he built in 2000. Vinson is a very talented guy with bows and flint knapping. He is James Parker's brother-in-law. Becca, James' wife is Vinson's sister.
 Years back Vinson went off the rails and has made himself a very bad reputation in the archery world.
 Arvin, ask James Parker about your idea. He will be at the Classic or I can give you his phone number. I wouldn't be surprised if James hasn't tried boo belly Osage backed bows.

Title: Re: Question about Osage and bamboo??
Post by: Eric Krewson on March 13, 2026, 10:12:09 am

Colene Simmons made a few bamboo back and belly bows complete with the nodes on top and bottom. I asked her how she tillered the bow I saw, she said she tillered it with heat bending, it wasn't a bad bow.

Title: Re: Question about Osage and bamboo??
Post by: Pat B on March 13, 2026, 10:49:21 am

I really miss Colene. She was such a fun person...but Arvin is talking about an Osage back with a boo belly.

Title: Re: Question about Osage and bamboo??
Post by: Bob Barnes on March 13, 2026, 12:30:57 pm

There are a lot of people making bamboo back and belly bows.  Super Dave and Meadowlark Adventure Gear (YouTube) are two of them.  I've never seen anyone do what Arvin is suggesting.  It seems that bamboo backing would be stronger than Osage backing, but if the osage is a stave with a clean/clear single ring back, it might compare well.  It will be interesting to watch.   :OK