Ha!
I learn something every day!. Looks like I thougth the solid bamboo bows were the bamboo lumber on the belly. I just discovered that they aren't that at all.
So the issue I have been having is this. I bought this Lyptus wood and I get int he final stretch of a bow aimed at about 60 lbs and it snaps. Rather is forms this deep horizontal crack all the way through to the bamboo backing.
I have enough material to cut two more bows maybee three if I do a flat bow with a core. So I'm thinking of trying to use it in the core of a bow with bamboo nodes on the back and belly. The plan will be an ELB type thing first then I'll try something with some RFDF to it.
When I put the bamboo on the belly should I keep it thick for tillering or should I aim to thin it pretty evenly? Is it OK if it's fairly thick? Any info here would be helpful. Is this even a sensible plan. The Lyptus seems light weight and pretty rigid. I don't like it for bellies but I think it might make a great core.
Bamboo aside what do you guys think is the best belly wood? I have consistant access to hickory and birch. If anyone has made a boo bellied bow I'd love some pointers. I'm at 4 bows now and none quite right. 2 Broken, 1 kinda broken, and 1 with a funky tiller that showed up a few days after finishing it.
Thanks,
PB
