Cedar trilam?

[Ethan Grotheer]

Hey all, just curious if any of you knew a good combination for using red cedar as a riser and belly wood for a trilam?
I recently built a bamboo back, ipe core and osage belly trilam that I really like. It came out at about 47#(I plan to use it this turkey season) but I'd like to build something a little heavier(50-55#) and I like idea of using red cedar as my belly wood and probably bamboo again as backing.
So has anyone done anything like this?

Thanks,
Ethan

[Roy from Pa]

Only place I would use the cedar is the core lam.

[mikkekeswick]

No!!! Don't do it!
Try ipe for the belly if you are wanting to use bamboo backing. It's easy to get - just google ipe decking boards. Or of course stick with osage.
If you can get clear erc then it's great with a good sinew back.

[Bowjunkie]

Like Roy, I would only use it as the center core lam in a tri-lam, and in fact have several pieces set aside for it. It just doesn't have the ability to resist the compression forces exerted by the bamboo.

[LittleBen]

I've done a few cedars bows, a self bow and two sinew backed. I like it, mainly for the looks, and it's reasonably elastic, but it's just so lightweight, I think they're right that the bamboo is just going to crush it.

Maybe it would be ok if you went really wide, and long, and trapped the back .... It's likely possible but it wouldn't be my first choice.

I have a nice clear piece of ERC and I keep thinking about the same kinda thing you're talking about, and every time I decide it really needs sinew.

[takefive]

I made one with an elm backer that I like.  Like Ben said, ERC is pretty elastic but it is very lightweight.  Mine is 68" long and only weighs 15 ounces.

[Ethan Grotheer]

Thanks guys, I just like the lightweight and beauty of eastern red so maybe.. I'll give it a shot in some combination or just let it go and go with another combo.

[Roy from Pa]

Your shop will smell so good if you use that erc..    Just make it a core lam between osage and boo...