Deadend conversation as far as I'm concerned...I've never made a bow from a board, they've all been from staves that we cut, split, and seasoned ourselves. Yeah, there's work and satisfaction involved in those processes, but I don't do it that way just for the satisfaction of doing it the hard way....I turn right around and use a bandsaw to rough the bow in and don't feel a bit of guilt for it.
As long as you're making a bow, it doesn't matter what form the material is in...either board or stave. Everyone works with what is available to them, and/or what works for them. It's all wood, and we're all individuals, and different personalities that we all have are what makes us who we are. Just make a bow I say!
We should however in my humble opinion be more sensitive to others feelings...don't make comments that might suggest that a bow made from a board is somehow less of an accomplishment then one from a stave. The person that spent many hours pouring themselves into making a bow from a board would probably take offense to that. Just like a negative comment about a "pretty" bow being somehow less of a performer then a plainer bow could be offensive to the person that spent an extra 10-12 hours turning their plain bow into one they personally felt more pride about for the end result. Some folks prefer rugged or plain...others want to throw some artful unique features into their hobby...to each their own. Doesn't make either one wrong or right...just what the individual wanted. Either way, each is capable of making meat if hunting is what you do...which is the case with me by the way!
