Ipe Question

[Goose Gossett]

If I were to make a R/D ipe with a hickory backing how thick would I want the two to be during glue up? I read Sam Harper's website for a BBI and he said 1/2" thick for the ipe and under 1/8" for the bamboo.  Would I want the hickory to be around 1/8" as well?

[Pat B]

I cut hickory backing strips at 3/16" thick and after smoothing both surfaces the backing strip comes out 1/8" or slightly less.
 Before I do a glue up I pre taper the belly so I get a smooth even bend. See Eric's pic of the glue up he just posted.

[Loren Holland]

you cant go wrong following Sam's b-along.  I shot several of his bows, including a R/d Ipe.  It shot so well, i was amazed. it was very consistent with glass bow performance, and Sam makes his tips so light there was hardly any handshock.

I have followed his site on my Ipe bows, and although i still feel like a beginner most of the time they are coming along.

1/8" for the bamboo over the handle and tapered to 1/16th at the tips. Be careful when sanding the rind, to not knick it or go into the power fibers

hickory i have always glued on at 1/8", i did parallel, but my next one i will taper also and it will probably work better