Bow goes Kaboom!

[Gordon]

Here is the result of my 4th attempt at a high poundage bow for a buddy. I had it to 80# @ 28” and thought I had it made. Then I sanded it a little, put it on the tree, worked it to 29” and KABOOM! I guess I just don’t have the skill yet to pull this off. So, I’ll take one of my nice yew staves and make him a war bow – I should be able to do that. Here are some pictures of the deceased for your entertainment.

[radius]

happens to everybody

how long are you making these high pound bows?  I eked about 85 @ 30" out of a 72" yew stave a few months ago.  It was crawling with great big knots, too. 

I can't wait to see what kinda warbow you turn out! 

[Timo]

Every bow I ever built with bloodwood looked like that Gordon.  :'(Was perty though.

[radius]

i wouldn't have thought the core wood was the decider?

[Okie]

Sorry to hear that Gordon. Hope you're not running down the same road I've been on lately. It is fun to try and push the limits though, ain't it? Keep trying I'm sure you , if anybody, can pull this off.

[George Tsoukalas]

I just broke 2 character staves within a week, Gordon. That's the way it goes. Like Jawge says,  If you ain't breakin' you ain't makin'. Jawge

[Gordon]

I wouldn't think the core would cause a break like this, but who knows.

I agree Jawge. It's been a while since I had one come apart like this. I was due...

[bcbull]

GORDON  IT HAPPENS TO ALL OF US HAHA  I LOOKED AT PIC S AGAIN 3 TIMES I THINK UR BOO  IS THE CAUSE  BROCK

[Gordon]

I agree, I think the bamboo failed.

[M-P]

Hi,  It sure looks like a tension failure o me.   Ron

[Gordon]

I looked at the break more closely and noticed that it began at the spot where the powerlam feathers into the core. I'm guessing I didn't get a perfect fit between the backing, powerlam, and core and it failed under stress.

[medicinewheel]

Gordon, too bad... - Would have been another great bow!
I think it looks like bamboo failure; maybe not try enough!?

[deerhunter97370]

Atleast we know that your next one will be close to perfect. Joel

[65x55 swedis]

i think it was a combonation of the bambo failing and grain run off. but i am not very good so. i think this would have been a beutiful bow.

[acker]

HM, an interesting break.
I do work allot with bloodwood and Bamboo, but I never had a failare on the bamboo backing.

Look at the bamboo  powerfibres , they must be very close to each other, the bamboo might be not good enough. I use Moso bamboo.
I would change the core wood with the belly wood , bloodwood is much better under compression than ipe.
It might even be an idea to use a lighter core wood like maple for example.
The bow will be a bit wider than and the backing has more area to work.
acker