Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Arrowind on February 23, 2011, 12:17:24 am

Title: Board Bow Lumber Selection?
Post by: Arrowind on February 23, 2011, 12:17:24 am

Is there a rule of thumb when selecting boards for bows regarding quarter sawn or flat sawn?  I just bought some quarter sawn white oak on sale...  I'm hoping I didn't make a mistake.  The grain on both boards is very strait on what I intend to be the back....as far as I can tell the sides are straight as well...

I suppose I should have asked this question prior to rushing over to the hardwood yard and picking through the stacks... ;D

Title: Re: Board Bow Lumber Selection?
Post by: HickoryBill on February 23, 2011, 12:19:21 am

Any chance for some pics??  We like pics!!! :D :D

Title: Re: Board Bow Lumber Selection?
Post by: Ian Schmidt on February 23, 2011, 12:22:01 am

both will work for bows. many  people swear by one or the other but as long as they are straight, free of knots, and have NO GRAIN RUN-OFFS on the sides. some woods may require you to chase rings when flat sawn, however, like you would do on an osage stave

Title: Re: Board Bow Lumber Selection?
Post by: eagleone on February 23, 2011, 12:51:25 am

ditto from above, both work - just watch out for run offs

Title: Re: Board Bow Lumber Selection?
Post by: sailordad on February 23, 2011, 12:55:27 am

go to the "build along"section
click on "jawge's" website
it has every piece of info for selecting the best boards
and info on everything related to archery(or damn near anyhow)
one of the best websites for new bow builders and the experienced bow builders  ;)

Title: Re: Board Bow Lumber Selection?
Post by: George Tsoukalas on February 23, 2011, 02:36:20 am

Thank you, sailordad. Jawge
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v331/Jawge/Stumping/GEDC0011.jpg

Title: Re: Board Bow Lumber Selection?
Post by: Grunt on February 23, 2011, 10:57:49 am

Quarter-sawn is good as long as ALL FOUR surfaces,the faces and the edges are straight lines. Rift sawn is easier to judge. 

Title: Re: Board Bow Lumber Selection?
Post by: Arrowind on February 26, 2011, 01:49:16 am

Thanks for all the replies.  I really appreciate the help.  I have these two beautiful white oak boards no sitting in my garage / shop.  I am just waiting for some inspiration now for what kind of bows will emerge.  Also I'm trying to build up a stockpile so I have wood to make bows from when I want it.   25% off I had to get some.... 

Title: Re: Board Bow Lumber Selection?
Post by: HickoryBill on February 26, 2011, 11:29:57 pm

Just look at the board with a Jetti mindset and make the bow jump out of the board. I do it all the time! Saves time and soar muscles!  ::) ::)  In all seriousness: Good luck and have fun!!!