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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: smdcosta on March 11, 2008, 06:44:00 AM

Title: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: smdcosta on March 11, 2008, 06:44:00 AM

Hi all,

Just curios on getting some information on bamboo lams.

We have lots of bamboo where i live and was wandering about a few things.

1)Does any one know how to make lams from whole bamboo? Treatments, process etc.
2) Is there a specific species of bamboo used?
3) Are they expensive in the states?

Any and all information suggestions welcome.

Regards

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: smdcosta on March 11, 2008, 07:26:00 AM

ttt...

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: wingnut on March 11, 2008, 09:55:00 AM

Do you know what species of bamboo you have.  Madake is native to Australia and is a very good backing bamboo.

Mike

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: smdcosta on March 11, 2008, 10:50:00 AM

Not sure of the species we have a few. I am working in India so i can harvest and process for very low cost. The bamboo we mainly see around is the best and strongest for construction. I will try and get some scientific names.

cheers

p.s love the dryad bows do you make them??

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: hera on March 11, 2008, 11:08:00 AM

Try to find: Phyllostachys makinoi Hayata.

==================================================
some information here:
Material         Modulus (x 1000 psi)    Strength
Alaskan Cedar        1.14                 6.4
Sitka Spruce         1.23                 5.7
Douglas Fir          1.35                 6.8
Fibreglass Polyester 2.5                  59
Fibreglass Phenolic  5                    110
Fibreglass Epoxite   5.3                  120
Bamboo (Tonkin cane) 6.4                  165
Graphite (Low Modulus) 19.4               250
Graphite Epoxite     33                   148
====================================================
my next project is all bamboo lam bow,that will be my first try .
in Taiwan we call it:桂竹.  (http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/1177/53344807ou2.jpg)

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: Indie on March 11, 2008, 04:33:00 PM

@smdcosta:
lucky guy you are, working in india!!!
where abouts in india are you?

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: wingnut on March 11, 2008, 05:14:00 PM

Yep we build them here in Texas.  Import our bamboo from china.  It is construction bamboo also, from 5-8 inches in diameter.  Take some pics of the bamboo from the outside and the end view.

Mike

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: smdcosta on March 11, 2008, 10:14:00 PM

Thanks guys,

I will try and get some pics mike. Thanks Hera, look forward to watching you build your bamboo bow, I might try join in. Allthough i am new to archery (1 month or so).

Indie i live and work in west bengal bamboo grows great here.

Here are some species we grow.
Bambusa vulgaris
Bambusa balcooa

Cheers and look forward to talking more about this.

Any ideas on processing/treating etc.

regards
Madhava

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: smdcosta on March 12, 2008, 12:21:00 AM

Mike how does the bamboo come to you. Is it processed in pieces?

Average bamboo is about the same size as you mentioned wall thickness is from 1-2 inches as well.

Is the same bamboo used for lams as well as backing?

cheers

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: smdcosta on March 12, 2008, 12:52:00 AM

First attempt at posting photos. Hope it works.



cheers

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: smdcosta on March 12, 2008, 12:54:00 AM

didnt work i guess,
try 2

 http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh91/smdcosta/bambusa-balcooa_f.jpg

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: smdcosta on March 12, 2008, 01:05:00 AM

okay i think i figured it out now. Theseimages are not mine but from the net they are the right bamboo though. The stuff that grows here is alot bigger though.

 (http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh91/smdcosta/b-vulgaris-v-striat_t.jpg)

Bambusa balcooa.
 (http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh91/smdcosta/Bambusabalcooa1.jpg)

 (http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh91/smdcosta/bambusa-balcooa_f.jpg)

cheers

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: hera on March 12, 2008, 01:50:00 AM

SMD

The bamboo in your post are not good to the bow building.
If any question,please go on post.
here is  Phyllostachys makinoi Hayata(桂竹).
  (http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/4227/39139800ag1.jpg)

  (http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/2860/31679213ss2.jpg)

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: hera on March 12, 2008, 02:11:00 AM

I gonna to harvest some bamboo for bow building tomorrow,not far away from my house,I will take some picture and post here.

My have 2 plan:

1: buy some bamboo from market,these bamboo have same diameter,same age,come from boo farm forest,no worm hole(artificial control),but not very big in diameter,just about 2.5~3.5 inchs(for some certain purpose use).may be just enough to build a bow,I'll try it.

2: harvest bamboo by myself.These bamboo (same species:makinoi Hayata,桂竹)are hand select(from wild land ) by myself,as big as I can and avoid worm hole.Old bamboo are better then young bamboo,sunny side are better then shadow side.

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: smdcosta on March 12, 2008, 02:13:00 AM

Thanks Hera,

Can you explain a little or point me in the right direction.

When will you start your bamboo bow. Your last one was a beauty.

regards

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: smdcosta on March 12, 2008, 02:21:00 AM

I used to see the locals make self bows out of bambusa balcooa. They were very simple but fun. I used to make a few as well. One tool only the local sickle.
cheers

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: hera on March 12, 2008, 02:21:00 AM

Here is a good site from China, they sell bamboo for some purpose but not include bow making.
(off topic,I don't like China)
I'll be back in 30 minutes.
 http://www.kinling.com.cn/about_tonkin_cane.htm

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: smdcosta on March 12, 2008, 02:39:00 AM

Hera from your post i would say go for the wild bamboo. It may be stronger as it has had more exposure to th e'elements'. Plus when you make your bow you will have done everything from harvest the timber to shooting the arrow.
regards

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: hera on March 12, 2008, 04:05:00 AM

Yes,thank you SMD,and hope you will find the right boo.
BTW
first pic in your posted,is a kind of garden plant.
second pic,people eat this kind bamboo shoot.
number3,construction bamboo.

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: smdcosta on March 12, 2008, 06:12:00 AM

Thanks Hera,

The Tonkin dosnt grow around here so i will tryto grow it. Might be a business oppurtunity for me as i am doing full time volunteer work and need to substitute my or actually create an income.

regards

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: hera on March 12, 2008, 06:58:00 AM

Wow,that need 3~6 years to grow .

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: arraflipper on March 12, 2008, 07:11:00 AM

I got some great Water Buffalo horn 1 1/2" x 5" knife handle scales out of India a few years ago.  Then the company wanted me to buy more horn at one time than I could use in twenty years.  You ever see any over there?

Jim

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: smdcosta on March 12, 2008, 08:15:00 AM

Hera i know it takes along time but i am only young (28)  :)

Hi jim, Yeah i see buffalo horn all the time. Full horns that is, not sure about what it would take to get it in that size you mentioned? Are you a bowyer? If so what bows do you make?

regards
Madhava

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: smdcosta on March 12, 2008, 12:17:00 PM

ttt

Can anyone tell me about processing etc??

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: arraflipper on March 12, 2008, 01:54:00 PM

Madhava,

I did have some pieces of a horn that I just cut out what I needed.  Little more work but the natural outside can be beautiful.  I will look and see what town the pieces of horn came from.

Here is a link to my website, and it has my email, also.    

 www.fisklongbows.com (http://www.fisklongbows.com)

Jim

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: smdcosta on March 12, 2008, 10:30:00 PM

Okay Jim Let me know.

Whats the market for buff horn like could it be used as a trade to bowyers etc.

cheers

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: hera on March 13, 2008, 04:04:00 AM

2008/03/13 noon,Taiwan time

  (http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/880/0803078en3.jpg)


  (http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/2492/0803077vs3.jpg)


  (http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/2065/0803079pm7.jpg)

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: hera on March 13, 2008, 04:10:00 AM

(http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/1020/0803081nf5.jpg)


  (http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/2244/0803082wg7.jpg)


  (http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/1769/0803083mf5.jpg)


  (http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/3664/0803080mm4.jpg)

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: hera on March 13, 2008, 04:18:00 AM

(http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/1621/0803085tq3.jpg)

  (http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/1074/0803086yh8.jpg)


  (http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/1750/0803087kp4.jpg)

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: smdcosta on March 13, 2008, 04:22:00 AM

That is awesome Hera. I bet you feel much better harvesting yourself. I really have to make myself a bow.
When will you start you boo lam bow?

Cheers

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: hera on March 13, 2008, 04:28:00 AM

After harvesting,I have to let it air dry.that need a few months,depond on weather.(I'm thinking my hot box now....LOL)
I'm not sure it that OK to dry a boo by hot box.Anyway,it need temper after dry process.

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: hera on March 13, 2008, 04:29:00 AM

(http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/6638/0803098jz6.jpg)

  (http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/2636/0803091aa8.jpg)


  (http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/4667/0803094vy8.jpg)


  (http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/3028/0803097re0.jpg)

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: smdcosta on March 13, 2008, 04:31:00 AM

Forgot to ask Hera.

Will you soak the boo in water to treat it now?

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: hera on March 13, 2008, 04:41:00 AM

no soak.just let it air dry,IMO.

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: smdcosta on March 13, 2008, 04:45:00 AM

One method the locals use is to cut the bamboo at the base and leave the branches an leaves on. It is then stood or hung upside down for about 10 days or so. Because the leaves are still on and it is in the sun it continues to photo synthesize, it therefore drys quicker and the sap is used up. After this they  soak it in water for 2 or so weeks. By doing this bugs that would usually bore holesinto bamboo dont because what they are after is long gone.

Not sure if this would apply to bowyery but interesting nonetheless.

regards

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: hera on March 13, 2008, 04:55:00 AM

Yes I think that method will dry quicker.
In this project,I will try to build 1 pc recurve and TD recurve,may be 2 pc.
I don't know how to do it,just think about it,some plan in my mind and a lot of test have to do.

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: hera on March 13, 2008, 08:04:00 PM

TTT

(sorry SMD,hijack your thread)

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: smdcosta on March 14, 2008, 12:47:00 AM

No problem Hera. Saves you starting a new one  :)

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: Rob DiStefano on March 14, 2008, 08:48:00 AM

Fantastic 'boo info, hera - thank you Sir!     :wavey:

Title: Re: Bamboo laminations etc
Post by: hera on March 14, 2008, 11:40:00 AM

Thank you Rob.

and  TTT again.