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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Matt Green on January 02, 2014, 06:03:00 PM

Title: Why never see oak in td recurve etc???
Post by: Matt Green on January 02, 2014, 06:03:00 PM
How come red or white oak is never used to make recurve risers?  Also hickory, elm, hackberry and some other plentiful woods seems to be limited as a riser wood. Just curious why. My question likely confirms my rookie status but I trust the experts here.

Thx in advance
Mgreen
Title: Re: Why never see oak in td recurve etc???
Post by: jsweka on January 02, 2014, 06:14:00 PM
I've seen a couple recurves that used oak for a riser, but not many.  Biggest reason is probably just aesthetics and there are other woods that are simply prettier.  The grain on oak is also more coarse that other woods so you don't get that real smooth finish compared to others - still aesthetic reasons.
Title: Re: Why never see oak in td recurve etc???
Post by: MB_Sweden on January 02, 2014, 06:55:00 PM
Here is a short video I did using Oak and phenolic in riser
http://youtu.be/UuMqvAirMvA
Title: Re: Why never see oak in td recurve etc???
Post by: Troy D. Breeding on January 02, 2014, 08:05:00 PM
Nice video,,, just wish I knew what the heck it said   :biglaugh:  

What material did you use in the limbs?
Title: Re: Why never see oak in td recurve etc???
Post by: LittleBen on January 02, 2014, 08:31:00 PM
Yeah I'd agree ... I think it's just asthetics ... same reason it's not common in 1 piece glass bow risers ....

It's not common because it's so common ... people like rare stuff ...
Title: Re: Why never see oak in td recurve etc???
Post by: MB_Sweden on January 03, 2014, 05:46:00 AM
Its Swedish  :)
Its Hard Maple under clear glass

Here is another video on english
http://youtu.be/Sg08rKg3R9A
Title: Re: Why never see oak in td recurve etc???
Post by: fujimo on January 03, 2014, 10:40:00 AM
very very pretty
Title: Re: Why never see oak in td recurve etc???
Post by: Brock on January 03, 2014, 10:45:00 AM
I have seen a few but most people gravitate to the bold grain patterns in other woods it seems or the use of phenolic with it.  I have a bow with red oak in the limbs...and while pretty it is not an eye popping look.  I think it has nothing to do with the woods....and for more mild looking woods maple is cheaper and easier to come by I think even for dying with a laminated look.