Boo core question ...

[Bob B.]

Likely done before, but here goes ... what, if any, is the difference between the following realtive to core limb woods;

   Amber boo
   Action boo
   Carmalized boo
   Regular old bamboo?

Is it jsut a color thing or something else?

Thanks,

Bob.

[cbCrow]

I could be wrong but think that the amber and carmelized are colors. Action boo is a laminate,where regular bamboo is bamboo cut into sections and used for limbs.

[David Mitchell]

I have noticed that the carmelized boo used by Howard Hill Archery is vertically laminated, i.e., action boo.  At least on the bows I have seen with it that's the case.  I think amberboo may be the same--I've seen some bows with what the bowyer called amberboo that was vertically laminated.  Others may feel free to correct me, but that's based on what I have seen in person.

[Jason Kendall]

Amber Boo & Carmalized Boo are the same laminated boo.
Action Boo is also laminated boo but not heated to give it the amber color. Action does seem a little stiffer.

Regular old bamboo is just what it is. Bamboo.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Action boo is a slang term for laminated vertical grain bamboo like the flooring above.

Natural bamboo is just that... natural bamboo. it's rarely used in laminated glass bows, but is used as backing on board bows a lot.

[David Mitchell]

Kirk, that looks like flooring to me.  Is that what bowyers are using?  Flooring?

[Dmaxshawn]

Thats what i use for my cores for building bows.

[Fletcher]

Natural bamboo has been used as the core in laminated bows for many years, like back in the 60's until now.  The vertically laminated "action boo" is relatively new.

[Jason Kendall]

Myself and many others have used laminated bamboo for many years. Over 95% of my limbs have been Amber or Action Boo since 1995.

[Bobby Urban]

I would venture to guess 90+% of Lamboo bows begin as flooring.  Just a perfect fit.  Nice shape and size for cutting and grinding into lams.  Lots and lots of bows with bamboo flooring in the limbs sending arrows down range.

[Sixby]

Originally posted by Bobby Urban:
I would venture to guess 90+% of Lamboo bows begin as flooring.  Just a perfect fit.  Nice shape and size for cutting and grinding into lams.  Lots and lots of bows with bamboo flooring in the limbs sending arrows down range.

I think more like 100% with a few fibbing.
However there are differneces in the quality of bamboo floors.

God bless you all, Steve

[Jason Kendall]

I dont use flooring.    

I use stair risers instead  :D

[Sixby]

I have a contract for removal of old Chinese gym floors. That is the best because thousands of tennis shoes have compacted the boo fibers. It does have a peculiar smell though. The best stuff comes from right under the basket.
Just saying.

God bless you all, Steve

[cbCrow]

Thanks to the bowyers for stepping in with an explanation. Over the years I guess I was mis-informed, or could be I didn't understand, who knows! Thanks  

[David Mitchell]

Originally posted by Sixby:
It does have a peculiar smell though.

:D  Good line, Steve.  Yeah, I guess after all those sweaty gym shoes on it all those years there might be a funny smell!  

[2treks]

Actionboo can be vertical or horizotal.
It can also be natural or amber in color.Carmalized(amber) is not tempered but it does seem stiffer as Jason pointed out.
Lots of bows still made with natural cane bamboo,Dryad,Horne,Great Plains to name a few.

I use bamboo that comes in planks that are 14" wide and 72" long.Sounds like what Jason uses as well. Very high Quality.
As Steve pointed out,not all flooring is created equal. Do not buy the cheap stuff.
Hope this helps,I am not fibbing either Steve.    

CTT

[Bjorn]

Well it seems to me-as someone who knows nothing-that horizontal would not be worth a darn compared to vertical; can a bowyer please explain?

[Shakes.602]

Now, Please correct me if I am wrong, but I was under the Impression that ActionBoo was  THE  Best Core Wood for New Bowyers to begin Creations with. Any Truth to it??  

[Glunt]

I would suggest inexpensive wood for a new bowyer.  Maple & red elm make good bows and you don't feel as bad when you realize you glued a taper in backwards, make a big slip on the belt sander,   your fire hose sprung a leak 1/2 way through cooking, etc

[2treks]

"Actionboo" is good to start with as it is very consistant and uniform. It will help to keep a constant in your building,so you can develope you formula and design.
That is also the reason why it is so good to continue to use.
Best is strong word that is hard to stand by. I will say that it is a real good choice.

Bjorn, I know some have used the horizontal stuff,I never have. I don't like the stacking of the nodes,Just a personal thing. It prolly works just fine. I use the vertical for the even consistant attributes.
JMHO

CTT