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Author Topic: Bamboo backed red oak bow  (Read 4441 times)

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Offline Oleguy64

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Bamboo backed red oak bow
« on: February 17, 2019, 02:57:25 pm »
I am making as my first bow a red oak bow in a pyramid style and was curious on everyones thoughts on backing it with bamboo. Im only shooting for a 30-35lb draw at 28 inches. Any input is greatly appreciated )P(
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Offline bradsmith2010

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Re: Bamboo backed red oak bow
« Reply #1 on: February 17, 2019, 03:01:40 pm »
I have never done that,,, so I am guessing,, but I think it will work,, some of the guys with more exerience with bamboo ,, will chime in Im sure,,
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Offline Pat B

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Re: Bamboo backed red oak bow
« Reply #2 on: February 17, 2019, 03:04:56 pm »
If it were me...I'd either make a 35# selfbow or back it with hickory, hard maple or elm. A lot of work goes into boo backings so I'd save the boo for a piece of osage or ipe...but that's just me.  ;)
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Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline Oleguy64

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Re: Bamboo backed red oak bow
« Reply #3 on: February 17, 2019, 04:00:16 pm »
I was thinking boo as I have a pretty limitless supply in my yard!!  Im from central FL. and it grows all over around here.  Also want to make a couple of staves from australian pine and carrotwood. First though I think I do want to try the bamboo backing to see just how involved it is,
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Offline Pat B

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Re: Bamboo backed red oak bow
« Reply #4 on: February 17, 2019, 04:17:47 pm »
If you have an unlimited supply, go for it.   :OK
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Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline bushboy

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Re: Bamboo backed red oak bow
« Reply #5 on: February 17, 2019, 05:19:28 pm »
Not to be a downer but mating a high tenion wood/grass like bamboo and a low compression wood red oak may be somewhat unbalanced and the belly may give in to compression fractures/fretts.i would make it at least ,68" long with the bamboo thinned down as much as possible within reason.good luck!
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Offline hoosierf

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Re: Bamboo backed red oak bow
« Reply #6 on: February 17, 2019, 06:39:53 pm »
I did it once at 72” and 50# @ 28”. Fretting was terrible. The oak can’t stand the compression. I tore it apart and salvaged the boo.
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Offline ccase39

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Re: Bamboo backed red oak bow
« Reply #7 on: February 17, 2019, 09:27:02 pm »
I did one once although it wasn’t a Pyramid. The limbs wound up with a lot of set. More so than other red oak bows I have made. It didn’t shoot as well as others but that could very well have more to do with me and my ability than anything. It will be a good learning experience at the very least!
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gutpile

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Re: Bamboo backed red oak bow
« Reply #8 on: February 18, 2019, 07:45:49 am »
my thoughts would be the boo would over power the red oak... hickory a better option to back with.. use boo on ipe or osage... imo.. gut
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Offline Oleguy64

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Re: Bamboo backed red oak bow
« Reply #9 on: February 23, 2019, 07:00:45 am »
I really appreciate all the input on this build. I think I am going to yield to experience and knowledge and try a silk backing on the red oak for now. Due to some injuries when I was younger I have a very hard time bringing a bow to full draw if its over 30-35 lbs.  Im hoping as I build and shoot more the bow weight will increase with my ability  (--) (SH)
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Offline Eric Krewson

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Re: Bamboo backed red oak bow
« Reply #10 on: February 23, 2019, 07:16:13 am »
A friend and great bow maker backs ERC with bamboo without problems, if ERC can take it I suspect red oak can as well.

I looked through my log book to see if I had made a bamboo backed oak bow and as near as I can tell I haven't so my opinion is purely speculation.
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Offline Badger

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Re: Bamboo backed red oak bow
« Reply #11 on: February 23, 2019, 10:50:02 am »
   I used to worry about matching tension strong woods with compression strong woods etc. Now I feel like you can use bamboo to back anything. I also use a lot of woods like red oak and maple for backing things like ipe.
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Offline bradsmith2010

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Re: Bamboo backed red oak bow
« Reply #12 on: February 23, 2019, 11:39:58 am »
just try it,, I am curious now,,, to see how it works,,  (f)
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Offline vinemaplebows

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Re: Bamboo backed red oak bow
« Reply #13 on: February 23, 2019, 01:32:06 pm »
Quote from: Badger on February 23, 2019, 10:50:02 am
   I used to worry about matching tension strong woods with compression strong woods etc. Now I feel like you can use bamboo to back anything. I also use a lot of woods like red oak and maple for backing things like ipe.

Badger,
                Your using red oak, or white oak?
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Offline barebo

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Re: Bamboo backed red oak bow
« Reply #14 on: February 23, 2019, 02:31:08 pm »
There is a youtube video of a guy talking about and shooting his bamboo backed red oak bow. He claims it shoots with authority and seems pretty happy with it.
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