r/d bamboo-ipe flatbow, bending the wood before backing

[Brent Hill]

I  am about to start on bow #2, a 68 inch bamboo backed ipe flat bow with an ash riser.  I plan to glue the two pieces together with a reflex deflex.  However, I'm considering bending the ipe limbs in my reflex delex form after applying heat to them before applying the backing.  I plan to put each limb over boiling water for about an half hour or so them clamp them into the form to hopefully retain more r/d as versus just trying to glue in the r/d.  Is this a good or bad idea ?  Any ideas on how I should proceed ?  Thanks  Bhill

[Osagetree]

Just my opinion, but don't use steam. Moisture in the wood may not be good with the glue, unless you use tight bond II for the glue up. If you're going to do that,use dry heat only. I really don't think it will retain any more shape than if you just glue up. It may be a little better in performance, but not enough to tell.

If you do use the steam, let it dry for a week or so before you try and glue up!

Good luck!

[Brent Hill]

Thanks.  If I did use steam, I planned on letting it sit for a week to dry.  I have a second question if ya'll don't mind.  I have seen several "build alongs" with this type of bow and I have notice that most are done with reflex built into the limbs but not deflex.  Would I be better off just doing a reflex bow or are there benefits to building r/d bow.    Thanks  Bhill

[wingnut]

Brent,

If you put taper in your slat before glue up you will accomplish the same thing.  Most people use a straight slat and that's why it looses so much out of the form.  You could also rip the slat and make a multilam bow.  That will also help with retaining the reflex.

Mike

[Pat B]

I believe that ipe is very difficult to bend with heat of any kind, if at all possible.    Pat