sycamore

[bearded bowyer]

Hi all.
Does anyone know where I can get hold of sycamore in Cambridgeshire?
I want to make a maple backed sycamore bow.

Thanks chaps
Matt

 

[Deleted member 7654]

My only suggestion would be to maybe ask Steve Ralph, he's in Norfolk, he makes Sycamore bows and may be able to point you in the right direction or maybe sell you a stave. Doesn't hurt to ask.
Del
(oppologies if it's a cr4p suggestion)

 

[bearded bowyer]

Thanks Del
your suggestions are never crap, I have someone who offered me a load but just doesn't answer their phone and doesn't have an answer machine!
Infuriating!
Can you remember if the bamboo you ordered came any and wider slats? I want to make a Bamboo backed Ipe pyramid bow!
looking for boo 3" in diameter if it can be had ;-)

 

[Deleted member 7654]

They do big diameter boo poles, but the guy warned me that the real big stuff has the nodes closer together near the base and isn't so straight.
I'd pondered the same Q and thought you could easilly put two slats side by side with the join running up the centre line. Need a bit of planing to get 'em mating up nicely tho, and might be tricky to get the nodes lining up.... just a thought.
I think doing it a 2 or maybe 3 tapered slats would also help keep the boo thin and stop it overpowering the belly.
Del