First bamboo backed ipe (BBI) build-a-long!

[Apex Predator]

I couldn't get the boo flat and make the stepped transition to the overlay smooth enough for my tastes.  I saw someone else recommend sanding through the boo at a shallow angle into the core.  I figured it would be eaier to make a smooth joint that way, and it seems to have worked out well so far.

[Mark James]

AP

Have you moved/deleted the pics? Your description sounds good, though.

Mark

[Apex Predator]

Pics show up fine for me.  Anyone else having problems.  If anyone wants a copy let me know.  I am saving it all to a Microsoft Word 2007 file.

[wislnwings]

No pics from the 4th showing up for me.

[James Wrenn]

I see them all and it looks good to me.

[kennym]

I wondered if that was why, lookin good!! I see all pics!

[Apex Predator]

I created a sub-file in photobucket.  I think it's trying to link, but there is nothing there anymore.  I tried to download the photos and reload them where they were, but it's not working very well.  I guess I will dump them from photobucket tonight and reload the originals.  maybe it will link up properly after that.  I am not very computer literate!

[Apex Predator]

I think photo bucket is messin wid me!  Here are the latest again.  Maybe they will work?

42@22

 

44@24

 

50@27

 

 

Profile just after un-stringing.

 

Tips almost finished

 

What to do with the handle?  The flat section is 4 1/2" long.  The center is right on the bow center.  I want a small arrow shelf cut in.  How narrow can I make the sight window?  Should I cut the window over the node, or not?

 

[Apex Predator]

Here are two of the roughed in handle.  I ended up cutting the shelf a little deeper than I intended.  The riser thickness through the sight window is 11/16" but 1 3/4" deep.  I think it will be ok, since it's laminated boo, ipe, hickory, ipe.  What do you think?

 

 

[kennym]

Around 50#,4 pieces of wood laminated,I'd say you're good to go!

[Apex Predator]

Well I'm finishing her up now!  My ipe has a good bit of green mixed in with dark and light browns.  

 

I thought some green would look good on the back.

 

A little much?  I thought so as well.  I'm using Tandy leather dye.  After laying down and base green and letting it dry, I came back with some chocolate stain.  I really like the effect, and it compliments the green and brown ipe.

 

 

I am currently spraying it with Minwax satin laquer.  It's looking really good after two coats.  I am leaving the ipe and hickory their natural color.

I shot this bow last nite and was really impressed!  Dead in the hand, quiet, and put them right were I was looking.

[Jeff Roberts]

Marty, that is looking real good. A swamp bow for sure with that coloration. Dang it son you got me wanting to build me one. Maybe this summer as I still got some more hunting to get in on right now. Again that is a real sharp looking bow.

[Osagetree]

Very nice! I like the camo!!!

[Apex Predator]

I will definitely kill some pigs with this one!  Here are a few after spraying.

 

 

 

All thats left is to build a proper green/brown string, and lace up a leather grip!

[pseman]

Looks great! I like the camo look of the green and chocolate bamboo. I also like the look of the bamboo nodes(is that what they are called?) and the fact that you left them natural without sanding them flush. Can't wait to see the first hog you get with it.

[Apex Predator]

Here are a few final photos.  I'm very happy, even though the tiller isn't perfect.  She still stands straight after 50 shots or so.  

 

 

 

 

[JEFF B]

awesome looking bow well done sir  

[Hard Head]

Predator where you get the tiller tree string puller like that? It looks like its three fingers wide. Really looks great.
                H.H.