Ok if one was using red oak boards would it be possible to use a jig saw or a reciprocating saw to cut out the rough dimensions?

Thanks,
Brian

I'd say that really depends on the skill of the user. Personally, I'd prefer to use a rasp or a drawknife if I didn't have access to a band or table saw.

Really? I would have thought the saws would be more precise and therefore easier. I guess that's why I had to ask.

Thanks,
Brian

I used a jig saw to cut both the outline and limb taper on a board bow ............once.

Granted, I didn't have a top-shelf jig saw but I was sure I had permanent nerve damage in my right forearm after that experience.

Since then my trim carpenter nephew gave me an old Craftsman band saw that is also probably not top-shelf but with a new heavy duty blade it cuts boards and even staves like the hot knife thru butter.

Like John said, I would use a coarse rasp before using the jig saw again.

I'd say band saws are the best for roughing out dimensions.

LOL Bob, ,Yeah what John said.

A ferrier rasp will dake you down to dimentions in no time, with plenty control, one little slip with the jig saw and it's all over,...speed isn't always better  

Thanks guys!

Brian

I'd use a draw knife as it gives you the feel to work with the grain.  The few boards I've used to make self bows in the past have not followed the grain perfectly, so having a four inch wide board and using a draw knife let me correct for this while using a saw wouldn't have.

Just my few cents.

-EG