BBH Question

[J. Holden]

So I ordered 3Rivers bamboo backed hickory bow kit today.  I'm looking for a 62-66" longbow.  I'd like 50-55 lbs when finished.  Any suggestions on the dimensions.  I don't have it in hand yet but would like to read your thoughts.  It has a pre-tapered Ipe center lamination as well.  Not sure if that matters.  Look forward to hearing your advice gents.  Thanks.

-Jeremy  

[JamesV]

Jeremy,

The people at 3 Rivers have a help dept and the tecs there are good. They can help you all the way with this bow. They know wood bows.

                     James..............

[bigcountry]

Originally posted by fdlz58:
So I ordered 3Rivers bamboo backed hickory bow kit today.  I'm looking for a 62-66" longbow.  I'd like 50-55 lbs when finished.  Any suggestions on the dimensions.  I don't have it in hand yet but would like to read your thoughts.  It has a pre-tapered Ipe center lamination as well.  Not sure if that matters.  Look forward to hearing your advice gents.  Thanks.

-Jeremy    

Depends on the dimensions of the IPE IMO.  The IPE will have the most compression.  I have never made a hickory bellied bamboo backed,

but for your reference, my IPE/boo bow is 1.2" wide at the fades, and parellel for 6", then pyamids to 3/8" tips,  

I started with 5/8" IPE blank and thinned the Boo to less than 1/4" at the handle and 1/8" at the tips.  I prepared the belly of the IPE by going from 5/8" at the fades and used a jointer to go to 1/2" tips. This will easily make a 60-65lb bow.

[Pat B]

The tapered ipe sounds like a power lam that goes between the boo and hickory at the handle to help prevent the handle area from bending, which causes the handle riser to popping off.
  Is the kit a glue-up or is it up to you to glue it together? What are the dimensions of the components or the glue0up itself?

[J. Holden]

Well, you ever have buyers remorse?  I did.  Cancelled the order.  Sorry for starting the topic ahead of the game.  I just got to thinking about the buy and thought maybe it was the wrong time.  Maybe another time.  Thanks for the interest and help though guys.

-Jeremy    

P.S.  To try and answer questions:  It was a kit that needed to be glued and I'm not sure of the thickness of taper.  Not sure of the dimensions of the pieces other than 72" long.

[Pat B]

Hickory is not the best option for a boo back. I don't know why they sell them like that. I know folks have successful made boo backed hickory bows but they are experienced wood bow builders and these sets are for novists. I see it as only frustrating someone that is trying to learn how to build a wood bow. You would be better off going to Lowe's or Home Depot and buying a red oak board. It will cost you about a 10th or less for the red oak. There are a few sites posted here on TradGang with all the info you will need to build a bow from scratch.

[J. Holden]

Thanks for reassuring my decision Pat B.  I have built a red oak board already and wanted to build another.  I wanted to try a different wood though.  I think I will get another piece though and see what comes out of it.  Maybe try some different things.  Thanks!

-Jeremy  

[Pat B]

Find a specialty lumber company in your area and see what woods they might have. Hickory, hard(sugar) maple, elm, etc. Also if you live near an Amish community they have saw mills and are a good sourse of good quarter sawn lumber. You might even find osage or locust.