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Ipe bows, 3rd attempt with no outside links or promotions * Images *

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bowstick:
I've gotten so used to using hickory for my self bows, when I read an article about somebody who was making IPE self bows... I had to try it.

1st attempt
I used a thin core for my first attempt.  Grain was straight, so I tapered the limbs, tillered it out, and Walla, 60#  @ 28"... Then I decided to cut an arrow rest... And Whaboom! Snap, right in the handle.  The problem was the core was to thin to start, so at 60# there was flex in the handle, so cutting the rest in created a weak point and it broke.

2nd 3rd and 4th attempts
I cannot take claim for the 2nd, 3rd or 4th attempts. I was so sure that this would work, I gave the project to Jeff, my main bowyer.  He tackled the project just like he would have with our hickory self bows... But that was the first mistake.  Hickory is so tough, you can use almost any grain and not have a problem.. As we found out, only exceptionally straight, clean and clear Ipe will work for self bows. 

The second attempt did make it to 70# at 28".  But when I told him to pull it to 32", it broke at 29".  Right where there was a wave I the grain. 

The 3rd attempt didnˇ¦t even make it to the stringing. And 4th one broke at 24".  After looking at the demise of attempts 2-4, they all had one thing in common... they came from the same piece of wood... and they all broke in the same spot... right where the grain became wavy. 

If I were to use the same grain that was on this Ipe, for hickory bows... I wouldnˇ¦t even bat an eye. We make over 2,000 hickory bows a year, so I know what grain will work and what won't...

So after coming to realization that only "premium" and I mean PREMIUM... grain will work for Ipe, I went through my stash of wood and found some of the best material.  I cut it out just like I would for a 60# hickory bow.  Rounded the back edge a little more than usual, tillered it out and Walla! 60# 28"... 64 @ 29", 66@ 30"... and I didnˇ¦t go past 30" yet.  If someone requests more than 30" draw, I will simply increase the width a hair to accommodate the longer draw.

But... could the bow take our normal 1/2" deep arrow shelf?  The core I started with was 1" thick, just like our hickory.. But there was only one way to find out.  So to the band saw I went.  And what do you know!? It worked just fine   I put about 20 arrows through it with minimal string follow.  I have enough "PREMIUM" cores to make probably 75 self bows before I need to restock. 

Oh, and one more great thing about "exceptional Ipe"... Backing strips... Thatˇ¦s right, premium Ipe backing strips!  I already cut 10 of them and some bows in the heat box gluing up.  Now don't you think a nice Osage bow with an Ipe backing would look killer!? Hopefully I'll have some pictures to post of these soon.  Just thought I'd share the new news

Thanks for reading,

Justin

Justin Snyder:
Pictures would be great. I'm guessing that the first was a bend in the handle bow. I think 1" thick is plenty to cut a shelf.  Isn't Ipe kind of dense for a backing? I have never tried it as a backing, but it seems like it would be better in compression.  The ipe I have is so dark, you can hardly see the grain.  Justin

bowstick:
yes, the first one was a bend in the handle bow, therefore the shelf was a bad idea on my part. 

Ipe is pretty dese yes.  Its not much more dense than the sap hickory I use for backings.  To accomodate the density and strength of the ipe as a backing, I juse stepped the thickness down to 1/8" instead of the usuall 3/16".  I still have not tillered out the ones I glued up the other day, so I have no proof that it will work yet. But I will update this thread on the progress.

Really good ipe it is almost impossible to see the grain. I have to surface it first before choosing the grain.

I will be updating with pictures too :)

Rich Saffold:
Justin, perhaps your source of ipe is getting a little too dry during shipment, or it isn't ipe, as many tropicals get called "ipe" to sell it as decking.  Also if isn't the perfect board, put bamboo on the back..Ipe is compression strong, so favoring the back is a good idea. Also being tropical it shines in the 100% humidity where hickory bows tend to go limp, but on the parched dry side I'd use hickory as well, or bamboo backed ipe.

64" pyramid 1.5" wide tapering to 3/8ths nocks, and drawing 70+@29" is my favorite ipe selfbow style.

Rich-made a few ;)

Coo-wah-chobee:
                    Yes I would also like ta see pictures of your "Success".....bob

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