Red oak.

[Thumper Dunker]

I know that red oak is ok. If a red oak has a hickory or maple backing would it be better than just ok ? as in speed ect. I know its not going to be like a recurve or anything like that. Found a real nice strait  grained red oak board supper strait grain.

[Pat B]

Yes, adding a hickory backing to a red oak board will make a pretty good bow. Add 3" to 4" of reflex at glue up time.

[Longcruise]

Hey,  Pat, how thick would you go with the hickory?

[Pat B]

When I cut hickory for backing strips I cut it at about 3/16" and by the time both sides are sanded smooth the backing strip comes out about 1/8" thick or slightly less. I think this is a good thickness for most wood bow backing strips.

[Longcruise]

 

[George Tsoukalas]

It all depends on the grain on whether it even needs  a backing.
i've made many selfbows from red oak boards.

Jawge

[Thumper Dunker]

Thanks