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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: recurvericky on April 22, 2014, 12:10:00 PM

Title: I-beam question
Post by: recurvericky on April 22, 2014, 12:10:00 PM
I am building a 2-piece longbow with a tenon type socket. I am interested in adding an I-beam and need some advise. I can use glass for the I-beam, but I would also like to know what type of wood would be good, as an I-beam. The riser will be cocobola.
Title: Re: I-beam question
Post by: LittleBen on April 22, 2014, 12:40:00 PM
Hmm ... tough call ... definately something that's very strong.

Ipe is obnoxiously strong but not very pretty.

Maybe Purpleheart?

Maybe just take your cocobolo block and rip it into three equal thickness pieces and add some phenolic or black glass accent stripes between the layers of cocobolo.

The grain will line up nicely, and the center piuece of cocbolo will be like an I-Beam.
Title: Re: I-beam question
Post by: D on April 22, 2014, 02:16:00 PM
I vote Osage. It would be a good contrast. Or maybe maple
Title: Re: I-beam question
Post by: recurvericky on April 22, 2014, 05:48:00 PM
I have some maple. Maybe I could laminate several pieces of thin maple and use that.  I  could do the same with osage.
Title: Re: I-beam question
Post by: BigJim on April 23, 2014, 06:40:00 AM
I wouldn't use wood and reluctant to use phenolic although it will work. Even if it is strong enough, you will get extra flex in the joint by using anything but glass.

BigJIm
Title: Re: I-beam question
Post by: LittleBen on April 23, 2014, 08:56:00 AM
Well there's your answer. I'd listen to the guy who's done more of these than probably anyone else.
Title: Re: I-beam question
Post by: Buemaker on April 23, 2014, 09:14:00 AM
Lignostone if you can get it should do the trick. Bue--.
Title: Re: I-beam question
Post by: recurvericky on April 24, 2014, 02:26:00 PM
Thanks Jim.
Title: Re: I-beam question
Post by: BigJim on April 25, 2014, 07:05:00 AM
I'm not saying that you wouldn't be ok with a lighter draw weight bow...at least for a while, but I would rather shoot my TD than wear it.

good luck, BigJim
Title: Re: I-beam question
Post by: LittleBen on April 25, 2014, 10:50:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by BigJim:
I'm not saying that you wouldn't be ok with a lighter draw weight bow...at least for a while, but I would rather shoot my TD than wear it.

good luck, BigJim
hahaha well said