Oak board bow

[joe nichols]

I completed my first bow build.  I used the basic plans from "Poorfolkbows".  I actually used an angle grinder for all of the shaping.  
I built a tiller tree out of some scrap and even got some shots off last night.
I'm not up to speed on posting the correct size pictures so as soon as I can, I will.
Just wanted to give a thank you to Poor folk and others on here for their posts and instruction.
I plan to add leather to the backing to help increase the 28" draw.
72" 42lbs@29"

[Robyn Hode]

Congratulations.

I used the plans from 'Poorfolkbows' web sight for my first board bow as well...and my second, and my third, and my forth, and my fifth, and my ... what number am I on now...

[Eric Krewson]

72" is a mighty long bow even for a 29" draw. You could knock off a couple of inches on each limb and gain 10# if you wanted to and still have plenty of bow for your draw.

Leather won't do much to increase the 28" draw. Rawhide glued in a reflex may help hold the bow together and give you a couple extra pounds.

[joe nichols]

Ah, good thought on dropping down the length.  I might try an inch from each.  from knock to knock is only 70.5 currently

[Pat B]

Leather is a poor choice for backing. All it will do is add excess physical weight to the limbs slowing them down. Rawhide backing will add protection without adding too much physical weight.

[joe nichols]

After some fiddling, I measured the weight again.  45# @ 29".  Ordering a Flemish twist but I have a question.  The brace is at about 8".  This put the string length at 66 3/4".  What length tring should I get?  I don't want the brace height to be any higher so I am worried about buying a 66.

[macbow]

I'd go with a 67 inch.  8 inches is a little high for a longbow.
I usually run 6 to 6 1/2 .

[joe nichols]

I know it isn't perfect but this is my first bow.  I didn't fiddle much with the small points.  it shoots.  I have a string and arrows coming.  I did all of the major shaping with an angle grinder then just cleaned it up a little.

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[KellyG]

nothing wrong with that one. the tiller looks great.

[Wolftrail]

Looks great for a first.  Keep on building 'em.

[George Tsoukalas]

Very nicely done! Jawge

[takefive]

Congrats on your bow    
The nice thing about a Flemish string is that you can twist it up a bit if it's a little too long for the brace height you want.  If it's a B50 string it will stretch a bit after you brace it as well.

[joe nichols]

yea, I had to go with a 68" string figuring I would have to re-twist it.  And thanks for the compliments.  I will be starting something else next week.  Just don't know exactly what yet.