Main Discussion Area > Bows

AZ Ironwood Bow

<< < (6/15) > >>

Hamish:

If you use boo for backing, maple would make a nice core wood, contrasting with the AZ ironwood. If you used hickory for a backing, then maple wouldn't look as good(less contrast). Purpleheart or wenge would look good, as would cherry.

richgibula:
Good thought.  I wonder if there isn't a back wood that would not need additional backing.  I guess I could always use a bamboo stave.

willie:
with the ironwood being so heavy, even hickory would be lighter and could serve as a backing and a middle, perhaps a a single piece with the the ironwood lam on the bellyside. you would of course want to pick a design that would make this construction easy.   long easy ramps into the handle, etc.
maybe non working stiffer tips if you are limited in ironwood lam length......

with all the experience available at this forum, opening a different thread exploring design possibilities for such a bow might be interesting

richgibula:
I am not sure what to say on a different thread for design purposes that is not already here, but I love the thought of design ideas.

The longest section I can cut out of the Ironwood piece with the proper grain orientation is about 51 inches before I hit the first split.  At that length, I can make the piece very thick or make two thin pieces.

Alternatively I can splice two shorter pieces, originally side-by-side in the board, to any length you would want in a bow. 

If I use a backing wood then the Ironwood part can be at 51 inches while the back could be longer.

I am open to any design ideas.

willie:
reference pic

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page