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!
Title: Re: First go with Ipe and Bamboo - ELB
Post by: bassman211 on July 10, 2025, 01:57:08 pm
Nice. Any deflex at rest?
Title: Re: First go with Ipe and Bamboo - ELB
Post by: superdav95 on July 10, 2025, 03:28:51 pm
Very well done here.  Boo backing add a lot and it don’t take much as you discovered.  It’s a great combo with ipe.  Nice work. 
Title: Re: First go with Ipe and Bamboo - ELB
Post by: Del the cat on July 11, 2025, 05:22:53 am
Gotta see the full draw shot.... ;D
Del
Title: Re: First go with Ipe and Bamboo - ELB
Post by: Bob Barnes on July 13, 2025, 10:02:36 pm
Bamboo backed Ipe is one of my favorite combinations.  I made an ELB that was 68" long and drew 55#.  It was 15/16" wide tapered to about 3/8" tips.  My 64" RD longbow is just under an inch wide and draws 50#.  Both bows are very well mannered and quiet.  Congrats.