First Tri-Lam Build

[tenbrook]

I am going to attempt to build my first tri-lam bow and had a few questions.  

My plan is to use Bamboo for the backing.  As far as the center lam and the belly I'm not sure what to use.  

I have some nice walnut laying around I thought might work.  

Maybe something like this:

Bamboo Back (1/8" or less) Walnut center lam (a little ove 1/8") and a Tapered Maple Belly.

Would this be a good way to go?

If yes how wide at the fades for 50#@29" and how long would you go?  

I'm choosing maple instead of Osage, Hickory or Ipe because its what I can get at my local lumber yard.  If maple is no good for the belly do you have any other common suggestions?

thanks

Tenbrook

[briarjumper12]

I'll be interested in what's said about this subject too.  I been researching tri-lams bows too.  What are you going to use for your form?  I thought about purchasing me an air hose setup if any money ever comes my way.

[Tom Leemans]

My favorite bow has a bamboo back, a full length thin lam of walnut, and an osage belly.

[canopyboy]

My playing around with maple leaves me with the impression that it's not great in compression.  Not bad, but can fret if you're not careful.  With boo on the back, there's definitely a chance of overpowering the maple unless you widen it out.

There's a good chance you can find a semi-local yard that has ipe, as it's fairly common for decking.

[eflanders]

Cherry makes a real nice belly lam.  I have done several Hickory backed bows with cherry and walnut.

[7 Lakes]

Wide and long.  The bamboo will likely crush the Maple if you give it any chance at all.

[GREG IN MALAD]

I would suggest that you trap the back and leave the belly wide. I would start 1 1/2" wide at the fades and 70" long.