Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: possum on April 09, 2008, 02:42:58 pm

Title: bamboo design
Post by: possum on April 09, 2008, 02:42:58 pm
Well, I'm working on a BBO and I was just wondering about a simple design that will provide a good bow for a first try.  The osage is 1 3/8 at the narrowest which happens to be in the working portions so that is the widest it can go.  The bamboo is a little wider so we're good there.  It is also 1/8 give or take a few thousandths.  Should I reflex it at glue up to compensate for some set?  I'm hoping for around 45@26.  I'm not sure of the length but I believe I have enough length.  Hold on.  OK, I have 63.5" on the osage and 85.5 on the boo and osage is 3/4" thick for the whole length and I will be gluing on a handle.  I have absolutely no clue on these bows but I always wanted one.  Also, will TB3 work for this?

possum
Title: Re: bamboo design
Post by: snedeker on April 09, 2008, 02:58:40 pm
 1 3/8 is a good width and 63" is a good length. 1/8 is fine for the boo and TB3 is great. Sand the boo and osage before glueup. Put some prelim thickness taper in the 3/4 inch osage slat first.  Something short of floor tiller will do, although some like to pretty much tiller it to a low weight. Put in a couple inches of reflexes in glue up.  You can make a simple form from a 2x4 and some short scraps. 

Dave
Title: Re: bamboo design
Post by: possum on April 10, 2008, 03:05:11 pm
OK, I glued it up yesterday and wrapped with and inner tube and clamped it and put about, 4" I'm guessing of reflex.  I used Titebond 2.  How long should I let it set?  I can't fit the form in a drying box and the garage is in the high 60's low 70's.

possum

just wondering because I need clamps for my backpack bow challenge. :D
Title: Re: bamboo design
Post by: Badger on April 10, 2008, 03:53:32 pm
Possum, you should be able to clean it all up today and tomorrow start tillering it. In warm weather I iroutinely floor tiller out 24 hours after glueing and then finish tiller the next day. 4" is quite a bit of reflex. Steve
Title: Re: bamboo design
Post by: possum on April 10, 2008, 05:07:03 pm
I figured I may lose 1-1 1/2 when I take it off the form.
possum