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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: YosemiteSam on June 27, 2018, 05:04:14 PM

Title: Red Oak as Backing?
Post by: YosemiteSam on June 27, 2018, 05:04:14 PM

Off and on, I've been working on a maple board short bow.  It's currently at 50" and my plan is to get it to about 65# at 22".  My maple backing strip got all warped somehow and wouldn't lay flat so I'm looking for options on how to get it done.

I was kicking around the idea of just finding a good 1/4" red oak strip from the local hardware store & using that as a backing strip.  They only come in 48" lengths so I'd have to shorten the bow a bit more.  The hickory backing strip I received from 3Rivers was about 3/16 thick so I'm guessing that I'll need to sand the oak down a little.

How does red oak compare to hickory as a backing material?  Is this a viable option or should I just stock up on backing strips from 3Rivers?

Title: Re: Red Oak as Backing?
Post by: Pat B on June 27, 2018, 05:32:15 PM

I wouldn't use red oak as a backing. You'd be better off with the maple as a selfbow. A maple backing would be good.

Title: Re: Red Oak as Backing?
Post by: Mad Max on June 27, 2018, 06:33:04 PM

Quote from: Pat B on June 27, 2018, 05:32:15 PM

I wouldn't use red oak as a backing. You'd be better off with the maple as a selfbow. A maple backing would be good.

x2

Title: Re: Red Oak as Backing?
Post by: YosemiteSam on June 27, 2018, 06:57:23 PM

Thanks.

Title: Re: Red Oak as Backing?
Post by: macbow on June 28, 2018, 04:23:40 PM

Might want to contact KennyM for backing material.
Save a ton on postage alone.

Title: Re: Red Oak as Backing?
Post by: arachnid on June 29, 2018, 12:51:16 AM

You can also use WHITE oak for backing. It's very good. Even on dense woods like one.