Ipe source

[8Charles]

Anyone know of an Ipe source in the soutwestern Ohio area.  I have called several lumber stores in the area and no one seems to be familiar with it.

Thanks
Emmett

[KellyG]

emmett,
Some were saying ask for Brazilian walnut, and other in the decking department. Don't know if this helps.
Kelly

[Rattus58]

What is IPE? I mean I know its a wood, but I've heard a lot of it and know not much...

Much Aloha...  

[fujimo]

a dark , heavy wood- commonly known as brazilian walnut, comes from a beautiful big "round" tree.
with amazingly scented large yellow flowers.
quite a common tree in brazil- to be found on suburban lots etc( besides the forests.
used extensively for decking up here.
the sawdust can be a respiratory irritant.
so wear a mask/respirator of sorts.
really great in compression, and combined with hickory or bamboo backing( or whatever backing you prefer i geuss!!!) it makes a light( in actual weight) snappy bow.
great for E.L.B. etc.
i love building bows with it.
bert frelink- a very experieced professional bowyer, told me to always make sure your taper on the limbs is really consistant and good, otherwise it will chrysall in those badly tapered areas.
its easy than hickort or walnut to work with, but not as soft as osage.
would love to be able to get a stave someday- that would be neat- i dont know what the sapwood looks like, or if it will be good as the "backing wood"
best
wayne

[PEARL DRUMS]

I have a left over deck board I have been sitting on for months. My plan is to back it with a hickory strip I have. Should be interesting. My brother-in-law built a huge deck using it and has left overs in his pole barn for my taking! I have made board bows with solid hickory and oak, but never Ipe. I know my standard board bow plan will be deviated a touch using Ipe.

[fujimo]

i do mine 1 1/4" at fade straight taper up to 3/8 at tips, handle 1" wide- an' i build them to bend thru the handle- 68" NTN, 60# at my 28.5",
with the belly side of the handle built up with about 3/4" of leather to give a nice flexible full handle.

[JamesV]

Emmitt...........

I use a lot of IPE for cores on laminated glass bows and for laminated risers. Great stuff, beautiful wood and very strong in compression. IPE with a bamboo backing makes an excellent bow also. There should be a supplier in your area, don't give up, it is worth the trouble.

[don s]

check out hardwood floor places also.