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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: monterey on September 21, 2012, 05:02:00 PM

Title: Will this need a backing?
Post by: monterey on September 21, 2012, 05:02:00 PM
Here are a couple photos of a red oak board (more like a stick) that I'm hoping to fashion into a 35 to 40 lb bow 72" long.

Would this grain orientation call for a back or??

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac170/longcruise/Archery/oak%20board/redoakedge_zps26a2e4ad.jpg)

(http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac170/longcruise/Archery/oak%20board/redoakface_zpsf61854b6.jpg)
Title: Re: Will this need a backing?
Post by: Roy from Pa on September 21, 2012, 05:42:00 PM
With the run outs, I would say yes.
Title: Re: Will this need a backing?
Post by: macbow on September 21, 2012, 05:59:00 PM
I agree, once you cut out the shape there will be more run outs.
Title: Re: Will this need a backing?
Post by: monterey on September 21, 2012, 08:53:00 PM
Thanks, I was unsure but at the same time thought it might be advisable!  Part way to the profile and will start scooping out the belly tommorrow
Title: Re: Will this need a backing?
Post by: Black Mockingbird on September 22, 2012, 08:28:00 AM
If that was 3" wide you would have enough width to lay it out along the slight diagonal grain lines and it would be fine unbacked. You wood just follow and cut out to the grain lines and not lay it out to the straight edge.

Actually you might still be able to get a 66-68" stave outta that and make it an unbacked bend in the handle bow.
Title: Re: Will this need a backing?
Post by: Red Tailed Hawk on September 22, 2012, 12:44:00 PM
I would back it to be safe.
Title: Re: Will this need a backing?
Post by: monterey on September 24, 2012, 12:38:00 PM
The board, as is is only 1.5" wide.  I'm sorta following the Baker tutorial in the appendix of TBB IV.  What I'm doing different (so far) is planning for a non bending handle.  I can still go to a bend in handle design but am undecided at this point.  So much going on have not been able to begin reduction of limb thickness yet.  Maybe this eveining.

Thanks to all of you who have offered advice!  :thumbsup: