Oak (Quercus robur) selfbow

[Tuomo]

My newest bow. A selfbow, oak (Quercus robur) from Finland. Just simple, basic design. 46# @ 28", max width 40 mm, lenght 170 cm. Tru-Oiled.

I heat treated the belly a little, very gently. To my surprice, the bow took virtually no set, it was and it is straight. I have made some white oak bows but no red oak bows. Seems that this "nordic" oak is quite good. And of course it is great to use bow woods from here, not imported.

[Tuomo]

Few images more...

[NonBacked]

Well done, Tuomo! That is a solid design for red oak; it should make an excellent hunting weapon. I see your tillering rig supports the bow handle off-center and pulls the string inline with the arrow pass…that’s a good practice. It helps get the tiller very close to the actual profile when drawn with your arms. The tiller looks dead-on, and the string angle should ensure long lasting durable bow. Good job.
H.

[cadet]

I like that: simple, thoughtful design, well executed, with no unnecessary stuff.

...I see your tillering rig supports the bow handle off-center and pulls the string inline with the arrow pass…that’s a good practice. It helps get the tiller very close to the actual profile when drawn with your arms...

I've been asking that exact question about tillering in recent days...

[joachimM]

This is pedunculate oak, the most common european oak species and a very close relative to white oak. As per wood properties it sits in between white oak and black locust (wood database)
So really good bow wood in principle.
Joachim

[simson]

Nice bow, Tuomo.
I personally wouldn't risk that cut in back nock ....

[Drewster]

Basic design, well executed.  I like it!  Your tiller looks good too.

[ajooter]

Great looking bow! I love the look of leaving some cambium on the back.

[sieddy]

Fantastic bow. its great to see an oak selfbow from a stave- usually they're boards. (not that theres owt wrong with boards!)   

[PEARL DRUMS]

That is how to tiller a bow proper, hence very little set. Very nice.

[Stixnstones]

Good lookin bow, all around nice work

[George Tsoukalas]

Gorgeous bow! I do agree with Simon on the back-cut nock. Jawge

[sapling bowyer]

Great bow man! Sometimes some cambium is left and it is hard to remove it but it looks very nice. Are there cracks that I see or am I wrong?

[Jim Davis]

Very nice work and great tiller.

+1 on Simpson's note about the nock being grooved on the back.  Logic and all the old instructions say that groove temps the tip to split off.

Jim Davis

[Knoll]

Elegant in its simplicity. Congrats!