I've decided that I must make a bow and I've heard that board bows are the way to start (minimal investment, so when I screw it up, it costs less). I got TBB volumes 1&2, and bookmarked any websites I could find in reference, and then today I got my first two red oak boards. What dimensions do you bowyers recommend as a starting point? I normally shoot around 55-60#@27, but I realize this may be a bit much for red oak. Also, I haven't picked up anything to back with, is it mandatory, or just a good suggestion?

TIA for any and all advice,

Kevin

Kevin, Jawges site will be a good place to start.

http://mysite.verizon.net/georgeandjoni/archer.html

I've been over his site and even printed out a bunch of it. I was just seeing if there were any other options.

Thanks

Well, #1 bit the dust this afternoon. I think I learned a couple of things, and board #2 is leaning up in the corner, so I'm doing a little studying and it'll be back to the bench    

Kevin, Here is a good one for you
http://residents.bowhunting.net/sticknstring/brdbows.html

What happened to #1? Go too fast?

Yep, I've bookmarked Ferret's page, lots of good info there.

#1..........Well, I went too fast, got in a hurry, should have backed it and didn't, you name it.
Total cost: red oak board   $5.81
           4hr. time       $0.00 - wasn't doing anything else
           Getting a bunch of stupid mistakes outta the way......Priceless      

#2 is on the bench and started roughing in, but I had to go to the store and exchange a Stanley Surform that broke through the main body after a couple of hours of use     :mad:

I have made several board bows and find two things very important.  The growth rings and tillering starting at the tips.
I like the growth rings to be vertical. Run throught the bow back to belly.
I find first time bowyers can see that the limb tips are moving alot and don't recognize that most of the bending is happening only near the handle.
Start working near the end of the limbs till they start flexing and then work towards the handle.  Works for me!

BigArcher

Thanks Big Archer. I went ahead and backed it last night, and got the profile and outline done this morning. Floor tiller looks good, a nice progressive bend, I'm just gonna read over the TBB v.1&2 before I go any further.