Ipe

[Bobert]

do you need to back Ipe or can it make a bow of 40 to 50# on its own ?

[Loren Holland]

bambo or hickory, back it. it is tough as nails, but you can't tell the grain all that well.  it tends to have swirls you can't see.

there is also that funny green discoloration, that looked like a mold but was powdery.  anyone else ever see that? didn't know what it was, i wiped it off.  several bows worked great, but one blew and cut my nose in the process

[Bob Barnes]

Rich Saffold has made several bows of Ipe with no backing...but he knows more about what Ipe to use and what design.  Bamboo backed Ipe is hard to beat and hickory backing looks great on it...
Bob

[Pat B]

I've never done it but quite a few folks have made ipe selfbows with good results. Like Bob said, Richard Saffold has made lots of ipe bows with and without backings.

[mullet]

You have to have a good piece of Ipe.If you wet it you can see the grain in a good light. I have an excellent piece I'm going to make into an unbacked long bow as soon as I get home. Justin Snyder on the PA site has already made one from this same piece of wood.