Bocote Question?

[Gator1]

Im on the list to have a custom Static Tip recurve built.

I've always liked the all bocote look of a bow.  My question is this:

IS Bocote Succeptible to checking?  And is there any performance issue with a thin Bocote Limb Veneer over Amberboo....

I realize Myrtle, Wlanut, Elms, are a tad lighter weight and may consider these.

I had a Zircote riser that developed a couple very small checks no big deal, but want to ttry and avoid it.

[LittleBen]

1-2FPS doesn;t make me smile ... but fancy looking veneers do.

My guess is that the difference in performance is essentially imperceptable, but the difference in looks is easily seen.

Can't speak to the checking, no relevant5 experience with it.

[cunruhshoot]

I have used bocote as veneers in several bows and have not had any issues. It is one of my favorite veneers  - makes a beautiful bow.

[heartlandbowyer]

In my experience it make some great looking veneers and risers and I've never had an issue with checking.

I think you may get some checking if you start with a high moisture piece and heat it several times though but that can happen with most woods. I have heard guys say stay away from kiln dried wood.

Cory

[Gator1]

Thanks Guys, I've always wanted an all bocote riser/veneer bow... I especially like the birdseye...

Now to figure out an accent riser wood.

I'm thinking Cocobolo or Wenge...

Cory, can't wait to get some info on your 1 piece recurves...

[Walt Francis]

I have always had good luck with Bocate and Cocobolo under glass in the riser.  Try to stay away from birdseye under the glass as it tends develop tiny air pockets.

[Gator1]

Walt,

Thanks for the feedback, do you mean Birdseye figured Bocote?

[Walt Francis]

Yes, I have had little white specks develop under the glass, around the birdseye, on a couple of bocate bows.  Thought I just needed to seal those areas and make sure the there was plenty of glue, it didn't matter, little specks still developed on some of them.  Dick Robertson stopped by one evening and while looking at my bows mentioned the problems he has had with Birdseye's, especially on dark veneers.  He has tried every trick he knows or heard of and still hasn't found one that works all the time.  Said it was too much of a crap shoot so he now avoids them completely.  I think they look good, but have started to avoid them.

[Gator1]

Thank you Walt...

   

[chackworth3]

Pau ferro looks great with bocote
 

[BigJim]

I have seen a lot of bows used and new with lots of different woods. I have never seen an issue with the birdsey's in any of the woods. I'm not saying it can't happen and aparently it has. It's funny how some have problems with certain things and others don't. It could be technique or climate or variance of materials...to many unknowns in building bows.

Bocote can't be properly kiln dried in 8/4s but 4/4s is fine. The difference in performance between veneers is so small that it can't be proven to be caused by the different veneer.
BIgJIm