Ipe R/D longbow

[srtben]

I found some Ipe at my local bargain center(my new favorite place) for $0.80 a foot, so I bought a couple sticks. Anyway, I am wanting to build a R/D longbow, possibly hickory backed if need be. I was just wondering if anyone had any pointers as far as recommended designs. I am shooting for a 55# at 28". my last attempt at a R/D with a maple board didn't work out so well. I think the hickory may have been to thick (1/8th").  

[JamesV]

IPE is a very good bow wood, very strong in compression. The ones I have built have been narrow limb design. When sanding IPE don't breathe the dust.......James

[Loren Holland]

my last several adult bows have been boo/ipe. its just a high performance combination, especially when you make a narrow limbed bow with light tips. I have been going 68", but I saw some at Sam Harpers a couple weeks ago that were 66" and even 64".  I have been coming in light, around 45lbs, but Sam once again shows more skill and was able to hit 52 and 55lbs. I start at 1 3/8" wide and end up thinner after sanding risers flush, etc.  I also straight taper to really thin tips. Ipe doesn't heat treat well, so glue in your reflex.

[fujimo]

i go 1 1/4 at fades, out to 3/8 tips. 68 " ntn. finish at 66 lbs, so it shoots in at 60 lbs at my 28.5 " draw. i glue in 2.5" reflex, so they finish with about 1.5"reflex, 1" wide handle- shoot off the shelf.either boo or hickory backing- i sometimes put on a tip overlay- sometimes not.
can post pictures of my caul- its clamped with rubber bands.
good luck
wayne

[srtben]

How thick do your limbs usually end up? I'm at about .50" right now and still way to stiff.

[Pat B]

You can reduce weight by removing wood from the sides if the belly is getting too thin. The weight doesn't come off as fast as it does from the belly but sometimes it is your only option. With Hickory backing you can also reduce it's thickness a little to reduce weight but not much.
  Hickory backed ipe, 1" to 1 1/4" wide will make a heavy hunting bow. Ipe is strong enough in compression it can take a deep, rounded belly but your tillering has to be spot on for a narrow, deep ipe bow because it is somewhat brittle and will fret if hinged.