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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Matt. on May 07, 2009, 07:10:00 PM

Title: Ipe Bow & Alternate backing woods
Post by: Matt. on May 07, 2009, 07:10:00 PM

I'm working on an Ipe board bow.

The grain is nice, but not perfect, so I believe a backing in order.

I have read that Hickory or bamboo both work very well with Ipe, however, I can't seem to get ahold of either...

The local lumber yard does however have a healthy selection of hardwoods. I was hoping someone experienced could point me towards an alternate wood for backing my Ipe bow.

Here is the list of woods they carry :
 http://www.langevinforest.com/fr/woodspecies/woodspecies.asp?cat=0001EW6LRD2S03T

Since some woods are named differently in french, here is a translation of those:

Acajou - Mahogany
Amarante - Purple Heart
Cabriuva - Santos Mahogany
Cèdre - cedar
Cerisier - Cherry
Chêne - Oak
Citronnier - Lemon
Érable - Maple
Frêne - Ash
Gaiac - guayacan
Hêtre - Beech
Merisier - Wild Cherry
Noyer - Walnut
Porier - Pear
Tilleul - basswood
Wengé - Wenge

Thanks!

Title: Re: Ipe Bow & Alternate backing woods
Post by: bigcountry on May 08, 2009, 10:59:00 AM

I get my backing thru mail.  Richard Scaffold, is where i get my boo.  I see you can get hickory quarter sawn strips thru pine hollow, and many more.  Even 3rivers has boo and hickory.

I don't know for sure, but all you list there might be too weak in tension for IPE.

Title: Re: Ipe Bow & Alternate backing woods
Post by: 2treks on May 08, 2009, 05:23:00 PM

I have hickory and Boo, also. Both work well with IPE.