Need advice putting blank together

[Mana'squal]

I have spent the past two weeks reading threads on DIY gun builds and am ready to start my blank. My intention is to use 7 layers of purple heart 3"w x .25"h X 48"l

I would love to hear some input on my wood choice and epoxy and clamping recommendations.

I plan on clamping to a piece of straight steel on one side as information.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[Behslayer]

I never used Purple Heart, but based on it's Specific Gravity, you will need to make that 48" gun fairly robust and wide in order to support the weight of the shaft and hardware.

[Mana'squal]

would there be any value in alternating layers with a teak or mahogany?

[jgblair3]

Just finished working with some purple heart. It looks nice but I probably won't work with it again. It has a tendency to tear or take a run when sanding or machining and can become a pain to work with. I paired mine with sapele and its well balanced at 48" with no ballast and a 9/32 shaft @ 1.87" x 2". I also did an H lam as well glued up with west systems. Cheers

[Mana'squal]

I ended up going with Purpleheart 3"x.5"x48" with Teak of the same dimensions. Will update after I begin to put my blank together.

[Carlz]

I just epoxied my first blank last night. Will make a separate post later. Using teak and Australian silky oak. Good luck!