Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Jacob1 on January 25, 2021, 02:00:40 pm

Title: Where to get bamboo bow backing
Post by: Jacob1 on January 25, 2021, 02:00:40 pm: Where can I cheaply find a bamboo strip for bow backing ?
Any info is appreciated
Title: Re: Where to get bamboo bow backing
Post by: Pat B on January 25, 2021, 02:17:40 pm: I believe Pine Hollow(a sponsor) has some.
Title: Re: Where to get bamboo bow backing
Post by: Yooper Bowyer on January 25, 2021, 02:24:01 pm: Cheep bamboo? :o Let me know if you find any.
Title: Re: Where to get bamboo bow backing
Post by: Jacob1 on January 25, 2021, 02:37:46 pm: Thanks I found some on echo archery for like 20 bucks apiece just wanted to know if you could get them cheaper
Title: Re: Where to get bamboo bow backing
Post by: Yooper Bowyer on January 25, 2021, 02:59:45 pm: That is a lot better than anything I've seen so far, even better than some hickory I've found. My one concern is that the website didn't give a lot of information about it / didn't sound especially like a veteran bowyer.
Title: Re: Where to get bamboo bow backing
Post by: PatM on January 25, 2021, 03:19:42 pm: Carson of Echo Archery is a member on here and he's a veteran bowmaker.

Buying the slats from a bowyer tends to indicate proper selection for the job. They may even be flattened already which is a huge plus for many without power tools and lacking confidence in attaining a flat gluing surface with hand tools.

I can buy piles of slats much cheaper from a bamboo store here but that doesn't mean they are all bow quality.
Title: Re: Where to get bamboo bow backing
Post by: Jacob1 on January 25, 2021, 03:21:34 pm: Ok thanks for the info I don’t have any bamboo stores nearby or bow making stores
Title: Re: Where to get bamboo bow backing
Post by: Yooper Bowyer on January 25, 2021, 04:49:46 pm: Quote
Carson of Echo Archery is a member on here and he's a veteran bowmaker
I was hoping to hear something like that. I definably feel better about buying bow building materials from veteran bowyers. Now where to find a little more cash... :D
Title: Re: Where to get bamboo bow backing
Post by: PaSteve on January 25, 2021, 07:42:48 pm: I believe Carson sells bamboo 2 different ways. He sells already flattened and ready to glue up (more expensive) and rough where the flattening and shaping is done by you. At least he used to sell it that way.
Title: Re: Where to get bamboo bow backing
Post by: Lumberman on January 26, 2021, 01:14:46 pm: I've got some bulk on order for my site, been adding dif species gradually, price depends on yield from what goes into it of course but hoping to do 2for $30. shoot me a message if you want me to notify when the shipment comes in. Echo has one for $20 and 3rivers does one for $30 as well. If you have any goods for trade I am sure there are guys with a couple on hand
Title: Re: Where to get bamboo bow backing
Post by: Tradslinger on January 26, 2021, 01:25:58 pm: I have been using bamboo that is growing behind my house. it isn't quite as big in diameter as I really want but I am making it work. I use a belt sander to get the inside flat with no voids (lot of sanding) and I leave the outside with the nodes alone. it is always thicker closer to the base because it grows that way so either you allow for it when sanding or it will change your bow with a stiffer limb. Personally, I love the look of the nodes on the Back. because of the type of bamboo that I have, it would be impossible to get a piece big enough for a 2" wide flatbow. cheaper to buy bamboo that is already milled.
Title: Re: Where to get bamboo bow backing
Post by: Lumberman on January 26, 2021, 02:34:07 pm: What kind of widths do you get Tradslinger? I have still never used it but seems that a little goes a long way with the boo
Title: Re: Where to get bamboo bow backing
Post by: Tradslinger on January 26, 2021, 03:54:12 pm: some is 1 1/8" wide. but it is thin on the edges and thicker in the center so not consistent side to side at all.
Title: Re: Where to get bamboo bow backing
Post by: Lechat on March 03, 2021, 11:39:29 am: Home Depot has bundles of 25 1.75" x 6' slats for $99+tax, shipped to store. A little over $4/slat.
Title: Re: Where to get bamboo bow backing
Post by: Yooper Bowyer on March 03, 2021, 12:28:34 pm: But is the HD stuff bow quality?
Title: Re: Where to get bamboo bow backing
Post by: PatM on March 03, 2021, 01:27:13 pm: Bamboo is pretty cheap material. You pay for the processing. Even more so when you buy slats from a bowyer because you have to factor in their work and loss of non bow quality material which they likely need to discard.
Title: Re: Where to get bamboo bow backing
Post by: Hawkdancer on March 04, 2021, 02:37:32 am: You might talk me into trading a slat or two!
Hawkdancer
Title: Re: Where to get bamboo bow backing
Post by: Lechat on April 03, 2021, 02:46:37 pm: Comparable to what I bought from Echo archery. Node spacing isn't ideal on every slat, as expected, but they're all straight with consistent dimensions.
Title: Re: Where to get bamboo bow backing
Post by: bownarra on April 04, 2021, 02:27:28 am: If you are new to this stop trying to save a dime or two and buy a good slat off Carson. He knows what he is doing.
Title: Re: Where to get bamboo bow backing
Post by: TimothyR on April 04, 2021, 10:47:16 am: Quote from: tradcraftsman on January 25, 2021, 02:59:45 pm
That is a lot better than anything I've seen so far, even better than some hickory I've found. My one concern is that the website didn't give a lot of information about it / didn't sound especially like a veteran bowyer.

Carson is a joy to deal with and his stuff is top notch. He also sales the bamboo flattened and ready to glue or to where you'll have to flatten. His prices are competitive as well.
Title: Re: Where to get bamboo bow backing
Post by: gutpile on April 05, 2021, 12:26:49 pm: I ordered my ipe boo from echo.. top notch stuff.. good prices too... shipping is very reasonable..I'll order from him again..gut
Title: Re: Where to get bamboo bow backing
Post by: Bryce on April 05, 2021, 02:02:01 pm: Yeah I’ve bought a lot a boo from different places and many different prices.

Carson @ Echo Archery has the best stuff hands down. I get the tapered ones and they’re always perfect. Nothing leaves his shop half-a#$ed
Title: Re: Where to get bamboo bow backing
Post by: gutpile on April 06, 2021, 02:14:21 pm: I just broke down and ordered 5 pieces shipped for 65 bucks from Carson..I have no doubt it is going to be exactly what I need ... gut