Do these boards have the right grain?

For what? Lams, board bows, something else? Are they oak? What size?

Grain is very straight and the ring orientation isn't too bad. With the rings going through at an angle you may get a bit of limb twist through the draw but that isn't the end of the world overall. Unless you're trying for a world beating flight bow I expect those boards will make decent middle of the road bows. I'd certainly be happy to use them.


Mark

Quote from: mmattockx on June 15, 2025, 09:54:47 AMFor what? Lams, board bows, something else? Are they oak? What size?

Grain is very straight and the ring orientation isn't too bad. With the rings going through at an angle you may get a bit of limb twist through the draw but that isn't the end of the world overall. Unless you're trying for a world beating flight bow I expect those boards will make decent middle of the road bows. I'd certainly be happy to use them.


Mark

Sorry. I am trying to make a bow to hunt with. Board bow. I have some bamboo I was going to back with on one of them. They are red oak.

They would make a board bow but I doubt they will hold up to a boo backing. Hickory, elm or maple backing would work ok with it.

Quote from: Pat B on June 15, 2025, 01:53:01 PMThey would make a board bow but I doubt they will hold up to a boo backing. Hickory, elm or maple backing would work ok with it.

I agree with Pat. Red Oak is compression weak to start with; putting a strong, stiff backing on like bamboo will just make that problem even worse. Instead, I would be trapping the back to help balance it with the weaker belly.


Mark

Quote from: mmattockx on June 15, 2025, 05:30:20 PM

Quote from: Pat B on June 15, 2025, 01:53:01 PMThey would make a board bow but I doubt they will hold up to a boo backing. Hickory, elm or maple backing would work ok with it.

I agree with Pat. Red Oak is compression weak to start with; putting a strong, stiff backing on like bamboo will just make that problem even worse. Instead, I would be trapping the back to help balance it with the weaker belly.


Mark

Ok. Im glad I asked. So I need to use a different backing or nothing at all with oak and use the bamboo with something else?

Quote from: yote20 on June 15, 2025, 06:14:44 PMOk. Im glad I asked. So I need to use a different backing or nothing at all with oak and use the bamboo with something else?

Yes, correct. Red oak is fine on its own without a backing if the grain is clear and straight.


Mark

You can back it with rawhide or even brown grocery bag paper to help prevent splinters from lifting. Use TiteBond wood glue for these backings or the other wood backings.

I know you self bowyers will build bows out of most anything, but why encourage the use of red oak? The stuff splinters easily and is terrible in compression. 

I think  you'd be much better off using Ipe, Osage or even rock hard maple with a bamboo backing...... I think you will be disappointed in using this material.

I don't mess with board bows or self bows much myself. Too much effort for poor longevity and constantly dealing with MC levels effecting the finished product. I prefer a glass backed bow system myself.

Just thought I'd throw in my .02 cents worth here....   Kirk