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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: J. Holden on November 27, 2019, 07:24:25 PM

Title: Death of the board bow?
Post by: J. Holden on November 27, 2019, 07:24:25 PM

I went to my local H*** D**** to buy some red oak today with the intention of building a bow again.  I built one a few years back and over time it wound up in the burn pile.  It was successful, I just feel outta love with it.  So in a fit of cleaning I pitched it.

Anyway, I've got the itch again and thought I'd give it a go.  Well, unfortunately the above mentioned store is no longer carrying red oak boards.  So I've got to do some looking.  I think L**** has some but the closest one to me closed down.  Ugh, all in the name of business I suppose.

But, I wonder if this will deter others who may be contemplating taking on a project like this.

-Jeremy :coffee:

Title: Re: Death of the board bow?
Post by: Captain*Kirk on November 27, 2019, 07:27:48 PM

Jeremy, I was just discussing this with Petrichor the other day...we were both thinking on it after watching Clay Hayes' video on building a board bow.
Clay recommended maple or red oak. I'm thinking maple would be a lot easier to find in our neck of the woods. If I come across one I'll let you know. Gonna check M*****s next time I'm there...

Title: Re: Death of the board bow?
Post by: Captain*Kirk on November 27, 2019, 07:38:04 PM

PART 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUbLr1ItUzo

PART 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLJxdWDnidw

PART 3:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYFPkiTSm9E

PART 4:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvs2pMseVoE

Title: Re: Death of the board bow?
Post by: monterey on November 27, 2019, 07:53:53 PM

Hickory would work too.  Needs to be straight like too.

Title: Re: Death of the board bow?
Post by: Pat B on November 27, 2019, 11:04:26 PM

Look for a specialty lumber company in your area. I bought a 5/4 x 6" x 10' long hickory a few years ago for about $20. You have to pick through the stacks to find a board with appropriate grain on the back and the sides and be sure to put the stacks back neatly like you found them.

Title: Re: Death of the board bow?
Post by: George Tsoukalas on November 29, 2019, 08:37:27 AM

The big box stores have red oak. Jawge

Title: Re: Death of the board bow?
Post by: Knoll on November 30, 2019, 09:33:21 AM

In my experience, HD stores carry red oak and hard maple.
Lo... carries red oak.
Men.... carries hickory.

I'd second PatB's recommend, though. If possible, find hardwood lumber retailer. Likely more boards to look at and likely less costly.

Good luck!

Title: Re: Death of the board bow?
Post by: wapitishooter on December 05, 2019, 12:35:21 PM

Ive found hickory is far superior to red oak and buy mine at m*******

Title: Re: Death of the board bow?
Post by: monterey on December 07, 2019, 05:00:30 PM

My local HD has started carrying hickory but it's hard to find a good piece.   

Title: Re: Death of the board bow?
Post by: George Tsoukalas on December 10, 2019, 01:25:30 PM

I never broke a red oak board bow when I've picked the  board stave. Jawge

Title: Re: Death of the board bow?
Post by: Brian from GA on December 10, 2019, 10:31:18 PM

Make sure you double check the moisture level. When I lived out west, box store lumber (usually plastic wrapped) could come in below 9% pretty often.  Red oak, hickory or any other board will be brittle below 9. Good luck!

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