Solid Dymondwood Riser?

[Whitetail Chaser]

I'm about to begin my first TD longbow build, and I was looking into the easiest way to construct a riser.  Is a single piece of Dymondwood strong enough for the riser of a 50-55lb bow?  I'll add some phenolic strips to it if necessary, but I'd like to avoid that if possible.

Thanks for the advice.

Brett

[IdahoCurt]

Yes,dymondwood is incredibly strong

[GREG IN MALAD]

Dymondwood will work as long as you don't cut the grip too small, I make mine 1.25" wide x 1.75" deep. Adding a piece of glass or phenolic to the back of the riser is a good way to make sure it doesn't break. I used an 1/8" strip of phenolic on this risers back.

[hova]

thats a nice riser. i wonder if you can get contrasting colors bookmatched...


-hov

[AZ_Shooter]

Originally posted by hova:
thats a nice riser.

x2

[legends1]

I use Actionwood,i just trust it better.You can get the same colors that you can in Dymondwood.Ive just found the Actionwood to be stronger.

[Zradix]

I called the manufacturer last week to ask this very question.

Here's the shortened answer....

Dymond wood is VERY strong.
They don't recommend heating it to 150-180˚ because the resins that are in the material have a decent chance of loosening up. The guy knew it is used in bow risers often, but he didn't know if they were all "baked".
He recommended using Stratabond. It is virtually identical except the adhesives used shouldn't loosen up when heated.
The stratabond is a little lighter than dymond wood since it doesn't have the extra impregnation.

[Jeffrey Coria]

Dymondwood is one the prettiest woods IMHO.

[legends1]

Rutland manufacturing calls it Stratabond, in the archery world we call it Actionwood or Super Actionwood. I order mine from Rutland and was told the same info as Zradix.I tried the Dymondwood first.I had a riser crack on me.I know its used by others with know problem i guess.The Stratabond isnt near as heavy as the Dymondwood.In a small longbow riser the weight may not be a issue.In a 17" or 21" recurve riser the Dymondwood is just to heavy.

[GREG IN MALAD]

Have you looked at SpectraPly from Cousineau wood products( laminates afield)? It's basically the same thing as actionwood, but they have a much wider selection of standard color patterns. The price is much nicer too, a 10"x35" panel is $70-$75.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

That's what I plan on using when I finally get to the point I feel comfortable making an all laminated bow. I need to go up to Kenny's for a weekend and take some lessons. Or just sit in the corner of his shop and take notes and video everything.  

[KellyG]

yep here is that big fly struggling to stay on the wall again. LOL

[legends1]

Greg In Malad, thanks, ill look into that. Im always looking for a better buy.As long as the product is as good.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

Originally posted by KellyG:
yep here is that big fly struggling to stay on the wall again. LOL

Yep, don't mind that big ol fat fly up there, he just want's to watch.  

[aric]

Just a quick question do alot of guys have problems with dymondwood? Because i just bought a piece and was planing to put it into a r/d longbow.

[HMlongbow]

Try John at Old Mastercrafters for all your Spectraply woods.  He has the best prices and let him know Dave sent ya.
His number is:  847-623-2660

[JD 9116]

I have used Dymondwood on several bows and it is VERY strong. I think you will be very happey with the results. The bow I built was a 71# recurve take down at 28#. It was made with a solid piece of burgandy dymondwood. Hope this helps!