Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Mafort on July 26, 2018, 11:22:09 am

Title: Red oak.
Post by: Mafort on July 26, 2018, 11:22:09 am
So I see everywhere that red oak can be used to build a decent bow. Does it work well when necked with hickory and then bamboo??? Was wanting to try it and save a bit of money but I figure I’d stop by and ask.
Title: Re: Red oak.
Post by: George Tsoukalas on July 26, 2018, 12:26:04 pm
Made many a self-bow from red oak boards and red oak  staves. Jawge
Title: Re: Red oak.
Post by: Pat B on July 26, 2018, 02:56:47 pm
I've backed red oak with hickory successfully but I wouldn't even attempt a boo backing for red oak.
Title: Re: Red oak.
Post by: Mafort on July 26, 2018, 03:29:53 pm
I've backed red oak with hickory successfully but I wouldn't even attempt a boo backing for red oak.

why not???
Title: Re: Red oak.
Post by: bushboy on July 26, 2018, 03:37:59 pm
Red oak is somewhat low in compression so when mated with a very high tension material like bamboo the belly cells will most likely colapse ,take on a lots of set and go onto frett.a thin hard maple back and a red oak belly would be my choice.
Title: Re: Red oak.
Post by: Mafort on July 26, 2018, 03:40:04 pm
Red oak is somewhat low in compression so when mated with a very high tension material like bamboo the belly cells will most likely colapse ,take on a lots of set and go onto frett.a thin hard maple back and a red oak belly would be my choice.

what about a hickory backing???
Title: Re: Red oak.
Post by: bushboy on July 26, 2018, 03:48:53 pm
I would try to keep the hickory backing as thin as possible within reason.say 1/16th or a little more.
Title: Re: Red oak.
Post by: Mafort on July 26, 2018, 04:31:54 pm
I would try to keep the hickory backing as thin as possible within reason.say 1/16th or a little more.

so 1/8 is too thick?
Title: Re: Red oak.
Post by: bushboy on July 26, 2018, 04:57:34 pm
I/8 th will work
Title: Re: Red oak.
Post by: George Tsoukalas on July 26, 2018, 07:51:29 pm
I've backed red oak with linen, silk and burlap. Jawge