Purple heart

[JoJoDapyro]

Has anyone made a purple heart board bow? Any advice?

[Peacebow_Coos]

I have not, but remember seeing quite a few.  I do remember that some worked and some chrysaled I think it might depend on the density of the purple heart and the tiller.  Sure is a pretty wood

[vinemaplebows]

Not very good as a belly wood, will work, but tiller carefully.



VMB

[bubby]

I made the wife a maple backed purpleheart bow this last year, it's a light weight bow but flings an arrow with attitude, imho it should be backed

[mikekeswick]

It all depends on the grain. If it's straight then a self bow is possible. Purpleheart isn't weak in tension but it is in compression. A trapped back is very advisable! I've made a few elb's with hickory backs...just to see...and they have all held up. Watch that tiller!

[JoJoDapyro]

What would be your (all of you) suggestions for layout? Thickness wise. I am thinking Mollegabet, 66 inches long. Ebony overlays for the statics. Thanks again.

Also, if it isn't good in compression, wouldn't you add a belly of another wood? Because trapping the back and adding a hickory backing would add to the compression... Or am I missing something?

[adb]

I've made quite a few backed purpleheart flatbows in the past few months. I back them with a more gentle material, like maple or ash. Most have been 1.5" wide at the fades and a straight taper pyramid design. Just don't ask too much in terms of draw weight. Most I've made have been for ladies, and <40#. They all turned out very nice actually. Very little set and nice shooters.

I think it might not be the best choice for a more stressed design like a mollie.

[Prarie Bowyer]

I think almostpig hunter has a video of one (Boarior Bows).

[bubby]

I agree with Adam go pyramid but I'd go 1 3/4" at the fades
If I remember aph's bow that was mentioned crysaled

[JoJoDapyro]

My question now is, Does it need to be used as a backing, or does it need to be backed? If compression strong it would need to be backed, if tension strong it would need to be a backing. What would purple heart back well? The only wood that is readily available in board form is Red Oak. I assume I can get others from a specialty wood store.

[lebhuntfish]

I think almostpig hunter has a video of one (Boarior Bows).

Sure does, nice little bow too! Patrick

[bubby]

IMO. you need to back it, I'd trap it some too

[adb]

IMO. you need to back it, I'd trap it some too

+1

[JoJoDapyro]

OK, would red oak work as a backing, or would you suggest something else? I can get white oak, but not really anything else. Well, I do have mountain maple, but it is a stave that would have to ripped down to backing strips.

[bubby]

jojo if you have white oak use that, its a great backer