Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: jameswoodmot on July 02, 2025, 05:34:23 pm

Title: First go with Ipe and Bamboo - ELB
Post by: jameswoodmot on July 02, 2025, 05:34:23 pm
So finally got round to it! For some reason, despite the fact I think I hate them, I keep coming back to English long bows. I guess because they’re a challenge that I can’t seem to get past.

I have a hard time believing Ipe is a natural material, it feels more like working Tufnell than wood!
Bamboo is lovely, behaves itself very well.

Wasn’t sure on dimensions but read around the place it doesn’t take a lot of wood. 74” long, 1 1/8” at the widest point and 7/8 thick. 3/4 x3/4” at mid limb, 3/8 x3/8” at the tips.

I went for a straight taper in width before glue up it ended up a bit narrow mid limb. I could  have left it a good bit wider at the tips and narrowed them later on.i would have liked the limbs to be a bit wider than they are thick.

70lb at 29”

I can’t believe how small this bow is, just dinky. It started with about 1” of reflex and has a tiny bit of string follow after shooting. Wider, thinner limbs next time!

It still needs shooting in, a proper string and oiling yet.

As always, thank you all for the wisdom and help shared here, both now and in the past!
Title: Re: First go with Ipe and Bamboo - ELB
Post by: JW_Halverson on July 03, 2025, 01:54:24 pm
Boo and Ipe rather like each other, it seems. Post more of this bow porn when you get her all oiled up! As good as she looks right now I expect she's gonna glow up for you! Nice work.
Title: Re: First go with Ipe and Bamboo - ELB
Post by: sleek on July 03, 2025, 04:19:38 pm
I got to say, not much sexier than some perfect glue lines. Your craftsmanship and attention to detail will not go unappreciated here sir!