D bow design ok?

[punch]

I want to build a short red oak bendy handle D bow.  I was thinking 55" ntn 55# @ 25"; 1.5" at handle to mid limb tapper to 1/2" nocks. Will this work with red oak? Or should I try to find some hickory?  Wood will be lumber in both cases.   Thanks

[bow101]

A 55" bow is pushing the limits.  Try something in the range of 64-66"

[bubby]

On a bendy handle bow 55"@25" draw that is doable but you need real good red oak or use hickory

[punch]

I'm thinking about increasing the ntn to 60" any keeping the draw to 25 to 26". That will give me 8" of working limb more than the minimum of 2 X draw length.   That should work reasonably well correct?  I have never made bow shorter than 68" before and would like to try a shorter bow.

[bubby]

I make bendys all the time 60"ntn@29", heck i make them that long with ridgid handles

[bradsmith2010]

the better your tiller the shorter you can go,,,rawhide backing on the shorter board bows is good,, try the 60 inch and see how you do,,, or like it,, then you can always experiment to the extreme,,red oak is good,, but I think a little more inconsistent than a stave or hickory,, I have made some nice bows with red oak, but if I want to push the limit,, I dont think it is the best choice,,, well designed it shoots very well,,

[punch]

Would it be of any benefit if I got some hickory lumber and work it down to a single ring? I have been looking thru a bunch but haven't found any with good grain.

[bubby]

As long as the grain is good on the hickory boards you don't need to chase a ring unless you want to