Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: steest on July 15, 2015, 03:05:51 am

Title: Will these boards make good bows?
Post by: steest on July 15, 2015, 03:05:51 am
Hello Everyone,

I am new here but this place looks great. I have read the rules but I may have missed something so if this post is out of line let me know.

I am fairly new to archery, and have no experience building bows. I am planning on building a pyramid bow because they look to be the easiest to build out of flat boards. I purchased these boards from Menards and they are red oak. I would like to build a bow around 45# at 28".

Do these boards look like they will make a decent bow or should I return them and continue the search? They are 1"x4"x8'. Thanks for looking and taking the time.

(http://i.imgur.com/4lL2czB.jpg)
Title: Re: Will these boards make good bows?
Post by: huisme on July 15, 2015, 03:26:14 am
Jackpot 8)
Title: Re: Will these boards make good bows?
Post by: mikekeswick on July 15, 2015, 03:26:44 am
It's hard to say for sure from that picture but I think they will be ok. There is a bit of wavyness to the grain so it would be safest if you backed them with rawhide.
More photos would help though. One of the end grain and one of the side of the board.
Title: Re: Will these boards make good bows?
Post by: Del the cat on July 15, 2015, 04:03:06 am
It's hard to say for sure from that picture but I think they will be ok. There is a bit of wavyness to the grain so it would be safest if you backed them with rawhide.
More photos would help though. One of the end grain and one of the side of the board.
image of the sideboard... :laugh:
Sorry, I'm in a silly mood this morning ::)
Del
Title: Re: Will these boards make good bows?
Post by: huisme on July 15, 2015, 04:25:33 am
Del, I'm not sure because your image is small but it seems there's a knot in there. Wouldn't use, too much risk.
Title: Re: Will these boards make good bows?
Post by: Pat B on July 15, 2015, 08:52:33 am
What does the side grain look like? That can be as important as the top grain.
Title: Re: Will these boards make good bows?
Post by: bubby on July 15, 2015, 11:30:33 am
I'd like to see the edge of the board but from these pics keep the top board and take back the bottom one can you see the differance in the bottom there is a weird looking section
Title: Re: Will these boards make good bows?
Post by: bubby on July 15, 2015, 11:35:48 am
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,35312.0.html
Check out this board build and jawges site its stickied at he top of the how to page
Title: Re: Will these boards make good bows?
Post by: steest on July 16, 2015, 12:29:59 am
Thanks everyone for helping me out. I am ashamed of my picture taking abilities they are terrible. I really hope you can make out these new pictures. I tried some different lighting but it still really sucks.

Board 1

http://imgur.com/a/DF1TI#0 (http://imgur.com/a/DF1TI#0)

Board 2

http://imgur.com/a/6Y8ru#0 (http://imgur.com/a/6Y8ru#0)

Thanks for listing that buildalong Bub, it is great for me because I do not have a bandsaw but I do have a table saw!

How do you guys get around typing the verification questions for every post?
Title: Re: Will these boards make good bows?
Post by: bubby on July 16, 2015, 12:35:31 am
No problem, here's the link to jawges site great info and especially picking out boards http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/
Title: Re: Will these boards make good bows?
Post by: GB on July 16, 2015, 02:39:57 am
I'd pick the one that has the straightest grain on the board's face and start making a bow, but that's just me.  The verification quiz stops after a while.
Title: Re: Will these boards make good bows?
Post by: bubbles on July 17, 2015, 12:59:31 am
Ive made shooters with worse boards, I'd say get at it! If it's one of your first you can always back with rawhide for a bit extra insurance.
Title: Re: Will these boards make good bows?
Post by: simson on July 17, 2015, 03:32:16 am
It's hard to say for sure from that picture but I think they will be ok. There is a bit of wavyness to the grain so it would be safest if you backed them with rawhide.
More photos would help though. One of the end grain and one of the side of the board.
image of the sideboard... :laugh:
Sorry, I'm in a silly mood this morning ::)
Del

Del, have you ever worked sideboards into a bows? Check it it out! They shoot great, but be aware of Mrs. Cat, perhaps she doesn't like that.

..Also sorry, also in a silly mood ... 8)

BTW. I would use the boards!