Hi i want to make my own flat bow. And my first try. I bought bamboo planks but they are to small for one bow. Can you glue them side by side and have the middle along. Or is it not good? Like this?
What have you got in mind for your flatbow? Like length? limb width? Type of wood? Are you thinking about making the bow from just the Bamboo? or are you wanting to use the bamboo for a backing? In most cases the bamboo is used as a backing on the limbs of a bow made from a different wood. Most of my flatbows are not backed but if you have an imperfect piece of wood to work with often a backing can still allow a good bow to be made. Chris
Hi i think hickory have not thought about size or anything. I dont think i will use the bamboo it to narrow 2 cm meter wide! Also they are very soft
Hickory is what I recommend for a first bow. It is extremely tough, just take the bark off and you've pretty much got the back of your bow. Taking the bark off is much easier on summer cut hickory than winter cut. Moisture content is very important, it needs to be dry and hickory tends to hold moisture content a little longer. Have you any books or information to help you? Chris
Hickory needs no backing to make a flatbow . I will find a link and post it here later today that might be helpful. chris
Take a look at this website. Perhaps it will be helpful. I'll also suggest "The Bent Stick" written by Paul Comstock. It's the book that helped me make my first one and covers using just about every kind of wood there is and discusses many of the best lengths, widths and profile to use to make a good bow out of about any wood. http://traditionalarchery101.com Chris
You may want to check out Clay Hayes on YouTube. He's a traditional archer with lots of great videos, many on making bows. I've learned many things from his videos and enjoy his 'spirit'.
