cedar for core?

[joebuck]

Going to make a boo backed and belly 5 lam bow, thinking about using of coarse 2 lams of boo and 2 lams of locust.  Looking at core parralel of red cedar? Or hackbery? Or pecan?  What do yall think? Trying to use native woods from my camp

[Pat B]

Any of the woods you mentioned will work as a core.    Have you built a boo backed/belly bow before? Do you already have a recipe for the stack? Once assembled the only tillering you will be able to do willbe from the sides of the bow and that is limited.
 Unless you just want to use locust for core lam one or the other woods mentioned would be a better choice to keep the physical weight down.
  Also, be sure to temper the boo belly to increase the compression strength. Boo is very strong in tension but not so much in compression.

[joebuck]

Thanks Pat, it is my first glued wood bow.  No recipe yet. How should I temper the boo for the belly?

[Pat B]

I've watched James Parker use a 4" rosebud torch and the end results was a black, carbonized strip of bamboo. It needs to be temperes but not necessarily like James does. A slight coloration will help and a heat gun will do the trick.

[joebuck]

Both sides of the belly strip?

[eflanders]

I think Pat may have been politely suggesting that the bow stack you are you are planning is a bit challenging for even experienced bowyers.  This is not meant to deter you from learning and/or trying.  Many learn best by doing.  Might I suggest you do as much research as you can via the web and also the bowyers bible series as a primer before you begin cutting lams.  Also understand that stack recipes are not typically shared by most bowyers, that usually has to be learned on your own through trial and error.

[joebuck]

Pat, I plan on using .002 tapers with a core parallel. probably a 66 in length with a force curve out to 30 before a positive 3 lb stack.    

Have you ever grinded your own boo tapers?