Ok, so I finally decide what direction to go(I think?) for my first build.

I am thinking of doing a wood laminated longbow,not sure what wood choices yet, maybe hickory, or cherry, any suggestions?

My question just to be sure is can I do this out of board lumber from a hardwood store, or does it have to be from real honest to goodness staves?

I was just thinking of buying some nice lumber from a local shop that sells alot of domestic and exotic hardwoods. Trimming them down to thickness and laminating them together to form my roughed out bow, then san and shape from there.

Will this work?  Or am I just    
Shooting for no more then 45lbs or so at 26" draw.

Let the comments rip, Thanks    

Kevin

Thanks so much for the really nice PM! I follow up when I'm feeling better, I have the flu!

Yes, you can use lumber from a yard. The best results will be from those boards that have not been kiln dried. Ask about that!

Hickory backed Elm - Hickory backed Ash - Hickory backed Osage, is where I would try to start.

I'd forego making a backed bow for your first...keep it simple at first..the simpler the better and easier it will be IMO. Find ya a hickory board and make a bend in the handle bow or a pyramid...its the best way to start and learn. Because tillering is the most important part,and it takes ya a few tries to at least get a feel for it.  Why spend more money and wasting more time in a glue up when the odds are stacked highly against you that its either gonna break or come in really low poundage. Keeping it as simple as possible lets you focus more on the most important task in wood bow building,and that's tillering.

Kevin,

Black Mockingbird has a pretty good point.

I've never done a board bow. Its either been wood laminate or self bows from tree trunks or limbs.

Either way, plan on learning from your mistakes. Even if your 1st bow is perfect or a total failure,,, it won't be your only attempt at building bow's!

   

Black Mockingbird, thanks for the advice.
You are probablly right, maybe I should re-think my plan and just go a little simpler, at least something to consider.

Osagetree, also thanks for your advice. Based on the feedback I am getting now I will have to think about this before procedding further.

I will keep you all posted on what I decide.

Thanks to all, and please keep the comments coming, all your advice is appriciated.

Kevin

Kevin, a wood backed board bow can be done as O' tree says, but I would heed the advice of Black Mockingbird and go for a pyramid or bending handle bow for your first go around. Simple designs do allow you to learn a lot without losing a bunch of time or money on a failure. Good luck, and keep us posted on how it goes.

I'd stand with black mockingbird on this as well. Get a decent red oak board or three and have at it. Just do it. It'll take less time to build a board bow than to make a decision on something more complex, let alone build something complex.

Frosty-

My first ever stay together bow was an osage selfbow. During the build it was way over weight and I bent the wood way too far. Got a crack in the middle from a twisting grain that I didn't follow well enough. The handle is akward as hell since I have never used hand tools to shape wood. It was able to be shot but feels like a vibration running through your whole arm from the handshock.

My point is... the bow now sits in the corner as a trophy because it was my first.

My second and sweet shooting bow is my BBO that that wise ol fart we know as Roy helped me with every step through the process.

I have broken more bows then have completed but am still hooked and learned that SLOWING DOWN really does work... lol

You know your research and what you feel comfortable with. The fellas on this site are great and will help you along with way with any questions you may have. If you want a backed bow and aren't afraid of some hard slow work... go for it... Go big or go home!

Just my two cents... Justin

Frosty, they're leading you straight, my friend. The board bow will teach you how to tiller and if it breaks there's not much $ lost.

I've been having a lot of fun with backing red oak boards with silk ties using Titebond III. keeps things simple and I don't have to worry as much about finding the perfect board at Lowe's or Menards.  One of my favorite shooters is silk backed oak 48# @ 28".  Jump in and have fun! You won't build just one!

Justin, I love it man,go for it... Go big or go home!  Just when I thought I might listen to reason:laughing:

I have been thinking about this alot, and I know you are all speaking from  the place of experience, so I will conced and try a board bow first, red oak or hickory, want to see the diffference in the price at the local hardwood supplier.

Roy ol' boy, I only pick cause I care. I have seen all the wisdom and help you offer others, you are a great guy in my book.
I know i am new here and do not know ya, so if i pick on ya and am a bother, feel free to thump away.

Thanks to all, think ill sit here and watch the snow fall and listen to ya alls wisdom a bit  

Roy ol' boy, I only pick cause I care. I have seen all the wisdom and help you offer others, you are a great guy in my book.


Brosty the Flowman, have you totally lost yer mind son?  

Better watch telling Roy that stuff it will go to his head.
Rob