Ipe?

[Buckeyehunter]

Just started a BBI and was curious if ipe has to  be backed?  I have plenty more ipe but no more bamboo in my reserve stash.

[Apex Predator]

Depends on the grain.  Unfortunately, it can be very tough to read on ipe.

[Springbuck]

What he said.  Bamboo isn't to hard to come by, and ipe works pretty well with a hickory back.

[Pat B]

Ipe can be used for selfbows. I know a few folks that have done it. I have not.
  Find a local lumber yard that sells hickory and buy a 8/4" thick board and cut it into backing strips. I have made hickory backed ipe that are very good shooters.        Pat

[TimZeigler]

I'll be following this one as well, I got a load of IPE boards, 2x2, 4x4's, and tomorrow he's bringing in a 2"x2"x6'footer.  Hopefully back it with some boo that I have laying around.

[Roy Steele]

If that staves yor talking about.I have plenty of O'sage billits.I'd trade you a set for one If I can get a bow from it.