11 lamination 3/4" Chinese Birch Plywood?

[Robertfishes]

(another newbie question) my neighbor , the one with the wood shop has some of this and said he thinks we can make a bow form with it and what ever plywood we need to make form 1 3/4 ". has anybody ever used or heard of this wood? they use it for counter tops or cabinets. I asked him about MDF and he thought the 11 lam birch was a better choice.

[bjansen]

Yes indeed, I think that would make an excellent form.  I agree it will be a much more stable material than MDF (stronger and lighter as well)...but I can only assume it is a costly product....it sounds pretty nice  Good luck

[str8sh2ter]

that's cabinet grade plywood.Take your time and make it nice and square.It 'll kast a lifetime.that's real good stuff.

[Robertfishes]

he quoted me $32 per sheet, times are tuff here and he is involved in the building industry. I would like to help a neighbor out, our families have known each other since the 1920's..He has also expressed interest in traditional archery, he would make a good bow building buddy, his shop is awesome, I think I saw some 20 ft tall dust collector air filters or "scrubbers"  I have a job in Utilities and have some job security right now as long as people use water. Drink-flush-Repeat

[muskiedaze]

I believe chinese birch is the stuff one can get at Home Depo for about $35 a sheet. I have found it adequate for builing forms. It does usually have some voids in the laminations. These can be easily filled with Bondo which hardens quickly or with 5 min. epoxy mixed with sawdust. The good stuff is called Baltic Birch and is harder to find, has no voids, more laminations, is flater and is considerably more costly. If you shop at home depot, look for damaged sheets which they've sold to me half price or 2 for the price of one.
   If you're making your first form, a couple tips: drill pilot holes and countersinks, or the screws may force the plywood apart. use coated course thread screws and plenty of glue. leave one edge proud so you'll have a straight edge to square up the form. square up the form on all 4 sides so you'll have straight square edges to lay out from, unless you're using a blueprint, then it isn't necessary but won't hurt. MDF sucks.

John

[Robertfishes]

Muskie I didn't look at the wood but he said it has 11 laminations in 3/4", yes, this would be my first form,I do have a Binghams print, thank you for your input, I'll post a pic when we put the form together.

[va]

Robertfishes -

You have a great opportunity to build a relationship.

I am also one of those in a good position (jobwise) in this economy.  Thank you, God.  We can sure bless others when we get the chance.

Go for the plywood.  Build the forms together in his awesome shop.  Then get to building bows.

I expect pictures.

va

[Shore08]

I've used that wood to build some furniture, it worked great. I don't have any bowyer experience but I couldn't imagine it wouldn't work for a form.

Sounds like a match made in heaven. He has a shop with the tools and the wood working skills, you have the knowledge. Go for it!

Good luck