Primitive Archer
		Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: mnviking on November 19, 2012, 09:15:40 pm
		
			
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				Hi gents
 
 I cut some bamboo today and would like to know how to make backing material out of it.  It is about three inch in diameter.  I have watched some videos on using a propane torch to start the drying process.  will this sufficiently dry the bamboo to use it as a backing material??  any helpful tips on how to make this into backing material??  how thick should the backing material be??
 
 yep I have never done it and I am pretty ignorant but help would be appreciated.
 thanks
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				Plenty of info under the 'search' option. Especially this topic (http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,33401.0.html) has all the information you're looking for :) Also read this one. (http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php?topic=23357.0)
			
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				ok thanks i will try that
			
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				Just a side note, a couple of bamboo supply houses sell bamboo splitters that will split it into 4, 6 or 8 pieces . Basically a ring with blades at 90 degrees and handles on the outside. You can rap on the handles with a mallet to assist you if need be.
			
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				3" is a little too small for backing.
			
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				yep three inches was too small to make backing.  only got a piece about 1 inch across when i worked it down to 1/8 inch.  drying the bamboo out with a propane torch worked great.  must say that this is a lot of work and you really do need a piece of bamboo about 5 inch in diameter to even start.  so for the effort I guess buying some backing is the way to go unless you are making a lot of backing and have the large bamboo
 
 thanks everyone for the input