I have had good success with my first few red oak bows so I want to try something a little different. What would be the best way to put some reflex in a straight red oak board?
Clamp it down and use blocks to raise the tips, then heat it with a heat gun. Or clamp it in a reflexed state with a backing glued on it.
The only time I reflexed a red oak board bow with a hickory backing and glued up in reflex.
Pat is right, best way to reflex a board is to glue a backing on in a reflex. This type of added reflex will be more permanent.
Another way is to cut a kerf in the tip maybe about 4 or 5 inches long, put some glue in the kerf, put a thin piece of wood with it, bend it around a piece of wood or something, and clamp it in place.
I'm assuming a wood backing would be best. I understand bamboo would not really be an option for red oak. Where is it possible to find different wood backings? Is hickory about the only other option?
Great idea bear.
Matt, from what I've read here and elsewhere, there are several options for wood backing. Elm is an example, but listen to the more experienced members.
Stan