I'm building a hybrid bamboo backed Tulipwood bow inspired by an ancient Chinese bow circa 300BC.

I've never used Tulipwood before and I was just wondering if any of the forums bowyers have any advice or do's and don't regarding working with Tulipwood

I haven't used it in such a bow, but it sounds like an interesting one.

I read once where big jim mentioned that most glue problems people blame on oily wood is actually from the wood not being fully dried, not sure if this is the case for every instance but something to keep in mind.

Tommboy is correct rough it up with the grain,though I use acetone,and Smooth On epoxy with no issues. The same holds true with most all of the exotics.

Thanks for the comments gentlemen. The lamination of the bamboo has been done and at the moment it seems to be a good bond, with Cascamite

I once made a hoots style bow for my son.He picked palm for the riser,boo for limb core, one layer of carbon on the back under clear glass.Used the same methods to make that bow as i made other successful lam recurve bows.End result was delam in the handle area.Managed to save that bow with a reglue,and nylon wrap of the riser.Looks real bad but it worked.Took a close look at the palm wood, and could peel it with a knife like a crayon.Just my experience with palm wood which i would never use again for a riser.I do not know if it is considered an exotic wood or no but it is one and done for me with palm.

here's what it looks like .. it's a very creamy, pale looking wood.

I'm wondering if I should stain it or leave it natural.

the bamboo face after its been through the sander

pressing in the forward set

Brazillian tulipwood is easy to use and glue.. as long as it's dry. It is however difficult to acquire. I have a substantial amount for veneers, but just a small amount for risers.

BigJim

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