Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: DavidV on June 17, 2014, 03:19:55 pm

Title: Good Dimensions for White Oak?
Post by: DavidV on June 17, 2014, 03:19:55 pm
Hey PA, haven't posted in a while since I've put bow building on the back burner but I'm trying to get back into it.

Stumbled across a nice straight grained piece of white oak the other day and thought it would make some good sister bows. 4/4, 73" long, and about 4" wide. I've never used the wood before but I've heard it bends well. Not sure what design to use that would give the best performance and durability, pyramid or american longbow maybe? I'm aiming for 45# at 28" tillered to 30 since I'll give them away.
Title: Re: Good Dimensions for White Oak?
Post by: Wooden Spring on June 17, 2014, 03:38:20 pm
I'd start by cutting them to 68" long. I make my handles 4" long with 2" fades. Then for a 45# bow, I'd make the fades 2" wide, and then straight taper to 1/2" wide tips. Start the thickness at 1/2" and fine tune it on the tillering stick.
Title: Re: Good Dimensions for White Oak?
Post by: bubby on June 17, 2014, 09:07:25 pm
for a 28" draw I would go 64" ttt 2" at the fades to 1/2" tips and heat treat the belly good
Title: Re: Good Dimensions for White Oak?
Post by: DavidV on June 17, 2014, 11:04:31 pm
That sounds good, I'll definitely heat treat the tar out of it. Already noticed isn't like my hickory, osage, or plum... low modulus of elasticity, my other woods won't bend at all at full 4/4.
Title: Re: Good Dimensions for White Oak?
Post by: Badger on June 18, 2014, 12:02:41 am
  David, if you make a pyramid 50#@30 68" long it should weight about 21 oz, if you start off at 2" wide and notice when you start getting close that it has too much mass you can start narrowing the limbs.