Options for bamboo backing?

[DavidWood]

Last weekend I got a nice bamboo slat to back a bow with.  Having never done it before, I'm wondering what options are there?  What have other people here used for bamboo backed bows?  Keep in mind that in London, Ontario osage and yew are pretty much impossible to get with ordering it in the mail.  Any advice or info is appreciated.

[Pat B]

For boo backing you need a strong in compression belly wood for best results. Find out what woods you have available to you that are strong in compression.

[Bert Frelink]

Do you guys have any Red Elm, that should work for you.
The big thing I have found with Bamboo backed bows is that the most important part is to get that Bamboo tapered.
I am sure there will be some more suggestions.
Good luck,keep us posted on your project.
Bert.

[Black Mockingbird]

You should be able to find ipe...check the lumber yards and those that supply decking n flooring lumber...ipe would be my first choice...also look for massaranduba,jatoba as well...both work well with bamboo,and ya should be able to find it ...there is also some other exotic tropic woods imported woods as well but those are the more common and easier ones to find ....and once ya find some come back n ask questions about it,and post pics of what you got so you can be assisted in how best to use it...and don't try but DO pick good clean grained wood...do some researching in how to choose proper grain in lumber stock ...

Don't know why ya can't order osage slats from a reputable guy who has already chosen the stock and knows what to look for and what works and what doesn't...

[wood carver 2]

David, there is a place here in Cambridge that sometimes has osage. It can be gnarly and a bit pricey, but useable pieces can be had.
Dave.

[DavidWood]

Would that be A&M in Cambridge?

[wood carver 2]

It is. I bought a rough looking piece a few weeks ago and I got a couple of risers and a 2 X 2 X 78 inch piece for lams out of it.
There is another place near Hamilton that sells exotic wood, but I don't remember the name.
Dave.