Bamboo Sources and Tempering?

[flint kemper]

Were do you Bowyers buy your raw Bamboo and also do you temper it before using it? Also what techniques to you have for getting it into lamination form? Thanks Flint

[adam]

The last place i ordered mine was 3rivers. I tried the bamboo they advertise as heat tempered and flattened, just glue on. Don't waste your money. Its not worth it. I still had to do about 45 min of work to mine to get it ready  to glue up. The next few pieces i order will be from Mike at Dryad bows. He is a sponser here.

To get it thin i run it through my bandsaw or table saw to take most of the thickness off, Then stick it in the hotbox for a few hours. After its out of the hot box i'll finish thinning it on my belt sander. Then its ready for glue up.

There is a good video on this if you search for bowstick archery. He goes over the whole process. Hope this helps!

Adam

[flint kemper]

Adam, Thanks Flint

[blackriverbowyer1]

try this loads cheaper than three rivers. no offense to them.


 http://www.tikifocus.com/Bamboo1.html?gclid=CPLvusq1ypYCFRNOagodQkwXxw

[onemississipp]

look here

 http://www.bambooandrattan.com/catalog/bamboo.htm

Bottom of page...

"Taiwan Bamboo - commonly used for bow making or molding"

I believe it ia Maso not Moso....

[mmgrode]

Mike at Dryad Bows sells quality Tonkin bamboo for backing bows
Bamboo and Rattan works also sells quality bamboo for bow backing