Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: swimbill on May 01, 2008, 10:30:10 am
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I am a newbie in bow making, my question is abut making a laminated bow. Can I use Osage boards and some other dark (like walnut) wood to make a laminated reflex/deflex long bow? I have a place tht sells all different types of hardwoods in board form, and I can use my thickness planer to make the laminations. If this is possible is 3 pieces at 1/4 inch thickness acceptable? If not what is? Any advise is appreciated.
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3 pieces 1/4" thick will be a strong bow. You will probably still need a backing of some sort. Justin
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Like Justin said, you will need something like hickory or bamboo for backing.
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i've been making laminated bows with osage lately. 1/4 inch is too think. One of my new bows has 1/8 hickory backing, and 2 osage lams 3/16 thick...and it draws 58# at 28. look at the thread in the buildalongs called (Inspired by Rodney Wright's Firehawk..)
If you are going to use a riser and glue the laminations to it, 1/4 inch might be too thick for an easy and complete bend around the fades.
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thanks for the quick responses, I am planning on adding a riser so it looks as if 1/8 inch laminations would be better. is any wood combinations better than others?
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My next project is a Maple backed Birch longbow with a 1/8" center Ash. I've done a Maple backed Hickory longbow with a 1/8" center Ash and it's owner has been very pleased with it. If I remember right I'm thinking it finished #51 @ 28"... I used (and use) TiteBond III to join all my woods. I think that's pretty good stuff! :)
Good luck with your project!