Bamboo

[Col HJ]

Hello to everyone from a new guy on the site. I've built a few board bows but recently got my hands on a boo-backed hickory bow kit from Pine Hollow Longbows in Arkansas. So my question is - Is it necessary or even desirable to sand or plane out the nodes in the bamboo or do I leave as is and apply my finish of choice?

[Pat B]

Col HJ, You can leave the nodes proud or you can reduce them a bit, but not too much.To dye the boo you will have to remove the rind, a waxy coating on the boo, first. Be careful you don't nick the fibers under the rind while removing it. Fine sand paper and steel wool might be your best bet.
   Another option is to stain the hickory belly and leave the boo as it is.

[bigcountry]

Originally posted by Col HJ:
Hello to everyone from a new guy on the site. I've built a few board bows but recently got my hands on a boo-backed hickory bow kit from Pine Hollow Longbows in Arkansas. So my question is - Is it necessary or even desirable to sand or plane out the nodes in the bamboo or do I leave as is and apply my finish of choice?

On my first Boo backed IPE, I sanded the nodes and they started popping splinters.  Won't sand them much ever again.

[Scott Beitzel]

hey i was gonna ask this queston but glad someone beat me to it  lol.

i to have got my first boo back hickery bow to get started on .and was wondering the same thing .

thanks,
Scott