bow dimensions

[krusty]

So my 7 year old has been pestering me for a bow of his own, and I have a nice piece of white oak with good, straight grain.  I'd like to make him a recurve, very light of course, between 15 and 18 pounds is all he can handle.  The problem is the oak isn't very long, I'll only get 40 inches out of it.  Do you think that's too short, or is it doable?

[NTD]

Krusty,                              I haven't made many kid's bows so can't help you there, but is your name Justin from Fl?

[Ifrit617]

IF it has very straight grain on all faces and you keep the drawlength below 19 inches you should be good. White oak is very strong in tension but can take a lot of set if you not careful. I'd say go for a bend in the handle bow pulling around 18 pounds at 19".  I'm not sure if you have enough length to add recurves, but for a small bow like that I am not sure if you need them. But I'm just a beginner so let's see what the experts have to say..

Ifrit

[krusty]

Thanks for the advice... no, I'm not Justin from Florida!

[sailordad]

you wouldnt be that clown from sprinfield would you? 

[NTD]

LOL.  Sorry Krusty, I know a reptile guy from Florida whose screen name is Krusty on all the herp forums. 

[George Tsoukalas]

A 7 year old is not likely to have a 19 in draw. Probably around 15 in? That should be ok. I wouldn't draw an unbacked 40 in bow to 19 in. Jawge

[krusty]

Thanks for all the advice... I did go back to the bowyer's bible Vol I on the Indian bows which was helpful.  It seems 40-50 pound draws were not uncommon at around the same length, often unbacked, so I guess it shouldn't be a problem for the light weight I plan on.  Just for fun I probably will steam bend a recurve into the tips.