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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Hermann From Bavaria on October 29, 2009, 12:57:00 PM

Title: what to do with red oak?
Post by: Hermann From Bavaria on October 29, 2009, 12:57:00 PM
hey guys!

a very kind person gave me a wounderful red oakstave as a birthday present!

so i ask you guys what to do with it! what desings are good for red oak?
i never had it since i build bows.

thank you!

greets
Title: Re: what to do with red oak?
Post by: Pat B on October 29, 2009, 05:44:00 PM
Is it a stave or board?   I'd say to make it 1 3/4" to 2" at the fades and out 8" or so before tapering to 3/4" tips(to be reduced to 3/8"later) 66" to 68" for 28" draw and a flat belly.
I've made a few red oak board bows. They were backed with hickory. I have not made a bow from a red oak stave.
Title: Re: what to do with red oak?
Post by: Hermann From Bavaria on October 30, 2009, 11:25:00 AM
yes pat, its a stave. but your tip sounds good!

thanks,

herm
Title: Re: what to do with red oak?
Post by: Pat B on October 30, 2009, 06:03:00 PM
Herm, If the limbs start getting to thin, take some wood off the sides as you tiller and not just the belly.
Title: Re: what to do with red oak?
Post by: George Tsoukalas on October 30, 2009, 07:06:00 PM
Herm, post photos if you need help. Plenty in here. Good advice from Pat.  :)  Jawge
Title: Re: what to do with red oak?
Post by: George Tsoukalas on November 09, 2009, 12:59:00 PM
What I would do and have done with red oak is  find a straight grained piece and make a bow. Let it bend in the handle as per the buildalong on my site. Back it, Herman, if you are a beginner. Good choices are silk, linen or burlap. More on my site. Jawge
http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/
Title: Re: what to do with red oak?
Post by: Hermann From Bavaria on November 09, 2009, 03:15:00 PM
thank you george for your advices, cool site. my stave ist relatively straight. i dont want to back it, cause i think the rings are thick enough (about 1/4 inch). what do you think about a bow style like dean torges did in hunting the osage bow? i mean light oval lims in diameter instead of rectangular? will it work for red oak?

perhaps i can post some pics of the stave tomorrow, so long!

greets, herm
Title: Re: what to do with red oak?
Post by: Pat B on November 10, 2009, 12:26:00 AM
Herm, with red oak you would be better with a flat belly. IMO