I started to plan a little on my next bow and needed a little insight. I currently have a 5/8"x2"x70" Osage core and 72" Bamboo backing. Should I keep it simple with this material or add an additional lam? If so what would you recommend?
I'm not picky, I'll enjoy either one.
If it were me I would keep it simple. At that thickness and length you should be able to get plenty of poundage out of it. If you want to make a reflex-deflex you might sand the osage down thinner and add another lam. For a straight-limbed bow I would glue it up as is.
I was considering a r/d bow since I just finished a form. My biggest problem is getting my hands on a nice power lam. Nobody around me carries any kind of exotic wood. I would like to order online but shipping is a killer. My last order (unknown to me) cost me $29 for a $12 piece of boo.
Were you wanting a powerlam for looks? Because you can build a nice r/d bow without a powerlam in it, you just have to carry your fades out farther into the limb to keep it from bending too close to the handle. Powerlams are pretty easy to make if you got a belt sander and a skilsaw and it doesnt have to be exotic wood, your powerlam can be any strong,stiff hardwood(unless you like the looks of exotics). Wish you lived closer to me, I got lots of purpleheart you could have for powerlams.
Okie,
I know the powerlam is not necessary just wanted a nice exotic contrast. I called kennym tonight and he gave me a bit of advice about the power lam and put me in contact with a customer of his that has a pretty good plan in place for them. I'll check it out and hopefully get the ball rolling soon!
I started by building all wood bows several years ago. I built these bows from a hickory tree that I cut down from the woods at the farm I grew up on and hunted at. These bows mean a great deal to me because of this. I became curious about glass bows about one year ago and built my first one. (Not very good) However, my mind began wandering with ideas and the thought of building my own glass bow. What I am discovering is that wood or glass it is all about your imagination. Wood or glass, bows are a work of art, expression of the bowyer making the bow. I am working on a radical glass bow right know with a riser which has a great deal of carving involved with it. It will either be really cool or a big flop, but either way I am going for it! I say if your interested, then make one. If you decide that you do not enjoy the bow as much as a wood one then you know. Otherwise, take the chance. You might just be amazed and may discover you have to make twice the time, for wood and glass! Good luck! (just my 2 cents)
sorry about my post, I accidently placed it on the wrong topic.