Ash from wheelbarrow handle. (it blew up)

[lostarrow]

Bow 101 - Prime example of how the grain would fool you  on this piece of Oak if you didn't look at the whole picture.Remember , grain runs like a bunch of straws  ,not sheets of paper.  (if that helps) It can be split radially ,tangentally or anywhere in between.

[Thesquirrelslinger]

Heck, just back the dang thing!
Backing a board stave can prevent it from breaking. I use Jute fiber most of the time.

[bow101]

Bow 101 - Prime example of how the grain would fool you  on this piece of Oak if you didn't look at the whole picture.Remember , grain runs like a bunch of straws  ,not sheets of paper.  (if that helps) It can be split radially ,tangentally or anywhere in between.

Lol.........I agree, see at least I do agree on things,  ..... Oak can be a real teaser, Thats why lately I use Maple, a lot more forgiving.

[bubby]

Heck, just back the dang thing!
Backing a board stave can prevent it from breaking. I use Jute fiber most of the time.


a good board don't need any backing but air, just have to be picky when choosing a board

[Thesquirrelslinger]

Well, I aint picky!

[Zion]

What's wrong with step through? I'ts never done anything bad to my bows.....

[dbb]

With step through you twist the limbs every time you string it.
push pull or use a stringer is much better and safer

[PEARL DRUMS]

Heck, just back the dang thing!
Backing a board stave can prevent it from breaking. I use Jute fiber most of the time.

Id love to see some these jute backed bows with bad grain. Got pics to show us?

[ionicmuffin]

i think even with jute it would break, i would imagine that rings dont mean as much, its the grain that still needs to be strait because those are the fibers of the bow.

[Eric Krewson]

I noticed your ash was "curly ash" with a lot of figure in the wood. It has been my experience from working curly wood in flintlock stocks that the curly wood will have weak or softer spots between the curls.  Figured wood would be great for lams to be sandwiched between fiberglass but a poor choice for a selfbow.

[Thesquirrelslinger]

Heck, just back the dang thing!
Backing a board stave can prevent it from breaking. I use Jute fiber most of the time.

Id love to see some these jute backed bows with bad grain. Got pics to show us?

Heck yea i do. Now where on earth is my camera? I really need to find it. I have to upload slinging pics;)
backing it with cord is better.... as long as it is decent cord. Fiber looks really cool, but has to be bigger.

[ionicmuffin]

Interesting you noticed that eric, thanks for letting me know. I may give it another shot and if it doesnt work ill just go for hickory handles anyway