Probably a stupid question

[Jacob1]

I got some smaller diameter bamboo and was wondering if it would be possible to heat or boil the bamboo once split in half and clamp between two boards to flatten for a wider possible bow

[Hamish]

It could be done, but it would be an inefficient, time consuming exercise. What are your goals, just to see if it can be done or lack of access to appropriate materials.

It would be much easier to get a more suitable piece of boo, or some hickory.

[Jacob1]

Wondering g because don’t have much money and bow making materials are expensive

[Yooper Bowyer]

1x2 red oak is less than $10 here, Maple is right around 10 when I last checked

[Eric Krewson]

A long time ago a guy here was flattening 2 smaller pieces of bamboo and gluing the pieces side by side on the back of a bow for bamboo backing, he said it worked for him.

I have not done this so I don't have an first hand experience on this type of backing.

[lebhuntfish]

A long time ago a guy here was flattening 2 smaller pieces of bamboo and gluing the pieces side by side on the back of a bow for bamboo backing, he said it worked for him.

I have not done this so I don't have an first hand experience on this type of backing.

I would say it would work good as long as the seam is vertical and has a good "center" joint, sanded thin and knife edge on the edges. Just make sure that the center jount runs tip to tip.
Now I haven't done this but I see absolutely no reason why it wouldn't work,

Patrick

[bownarra]

I wouldn't mess about...you can use a narrower strip down the middle

[Hawkdancer]

You might try trading for a stave.  I gather you are trying make a bow from bamboo?
Hawkdancer