Frustrating! Any ideas?

[Deerhunter21]

This is a board bow that I made from maple and out of all my board bows this was the best. Then it snapped like the others. Do you think it's because the boards cant handle the weight? Any ideas why their snapping? Anyway im a beginner, I can only expect bows to snap.

P.S. am I posting too much?

[PatM]

Bad grain structure.  Looks like it was milled straight through some twists or undulations.

[Deerhunter21]

Ahh that makes sense as it brok along a grain

[TimBo]

You have to be very picky about grain runoff when selecting boards for bows.  I found that I am not picky enough and much prefer staves.

[bjrogg]

Not posting to much. I agree bad grain run off.
Bjrogg

[jeffp51]

Not posting to much. I agree bad grain run off.
Bjrogg

Says the guy with 6200 posts in 3 years

but seriously, I don't think you can post too much here.  we are always happy to hear from people.

[Pat B]

No, you can't post too much. 
When checking boards for good grain you also have to look along the sides of the board. That's probably the most important area of the bow because of the way the stress is applied to the bow.

[bradsmith2010]

Maybe try a stave,,,,if it does not snap...it will be cost effective,,..and more fun

[bjrogg]

Not posting to much. I agree bad grain run off.
Bjrogg

Says the guy with 6200 posts in 3 years

but seriously, I don't think you can post too much here.  we are always happy to hear from people.

Lol. Yes I could be a blabber mouth.
Bjrogg

[Deerhunter21]

Brad, I don't have access to lots of staves, I don't own land and my friend didn't have alot of bow wood there and none that would    be good for a stave. I am stuck with boards.   

[sleek]

Boards with bad grain work, if they are backed with bamboo, hickory, pecan, or other good woods. Also, hickory axe/sledge handles make awesome bows as well. May look into that also
 

[Deerhunter21]

 Ok thanks sleek, but where can I get one that long?

[Pat B]

You buy 2 ax handles and splice them at the handle.

[bradsmith2010]

 Splicing is good to learn

[Woodely]

Can't see much by looking at the photo. 

Most of my bows are maple, laminate.  Yep........   broke lots you have to know what to look for at the lumber yard.  Make sure you look at the grain on the edge of the board and does not veer all over the place.  Its hard to find 1/4 sawn but good rift is great.  Even flat sawn.  Maple makes a great bow, I have a takedown I built it's taken 1/4" of set and has been shot over 3000 times.  Its smooth as silk and shoots like the dickens.