More bamboo questions.

[Barrage]

1)  What diameter of bamboo (assuming a full diameter piece) can be used; and how wide of a bow does that assume?

2)  Also, how serious are all the nicks and scratches on bamboo - will it blow?  I've seen bamboo where the rind is all scratched and was wondering if it matters or not to the integrity of the bow / bamboo backing.

Thanks

[Eric Krewson]

I like 4" and larger diameter bamboo. With 4", a  1 1/4"- 11/2" wide bow is possible.

If the scratches are just in the rind they will be no problem.

[makenzie71]

I don't worry too much about scratches and nicks...when you see a gouge that's big enough to matter, you won't have to ask.  You'll know.

Diameter depends.  I've backed a couple of bows using the 1"~1.5" decorative bamboo you can find at Michaels/Hobby Lobby.  You just have to use several strips.  I'm also done a bow by splitting a small shoot into 1/16" fibers and laid them similar to sinew.

Bamboo is great to experiment with.

[dragonman]

I use bamboo that is around 5" dia. I would think4" would be ok. . but it will have a higher crown and be slightly less efficient with all but the heavier woods. If you carefully check the nicks dont go deeper than the rind they dont usually cause problems

[Barrage]

Thanks for the input guys.

Makenzie, I've been thinking of trying the multiple strip thing with the smaller dia bamboo.  How'd that work out for you?  Made any shooters?

[makenzie71]

It made nothing special...I make a lot of little dinky 25~35lb bows for kicks...mostly out of scraps, pallet wood, and leftover chunks of fiberglass....and so on.

I think if you're looking to make a shooter then your best bet, hands down, is to send knightd a PM.  I will undoubtedly secure the bamboo for the bows I sell from him from now on.