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

ttt...

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

Mike

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??

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.  

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

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

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

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

First attempt at posting photos. Hope it works.

http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh91/smdcosta/?action=view¤t=bambusa-balcooa_f.jpg" target="_blank">http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh91/smdcosta/bambusa-balcooa_f.jpg" border="0" alt="Bambusa Balcooa">

cheers

didnt work i guess,
try 2

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

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.



Bambusa balcooa.




cheers

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).
 

 

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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