1st Board Bow

[razorback]

I am making my first board bow. I am using red oak that has grain running straight down the side with no run out and flat across the ends. really is a nice piece of wood. Is it vitally important which side is the back and the belly. i believe that the bark side should be the back but am not completly sure. I am using walnut for the riser and this should be attached to the belly, correct?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Yes, riser on the belly side.

As Long and the grain is straight on the back side...

[razorback]

Another question for anyone who can and answer it.
I am planning on backing the bow. Do I do this before I bring it to brace and continue tillering or can I wait until I have finished tillering. I am shooting for 40# @ 28". It is about 20# @ 20" on the long string with fairly good tiller at the moment.

Also if I back it before I finish tillering can I remove the backing and replace it with something more eye pleasing. I was going to use paper drywall tape and either replace it with silk, when I get some, or just cover it with the silk or linen.

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

Tony

[Pat B]

Silk or linen would be my choice. I would put it on now before finishing. It will give you protection as the bow gets stressed for the first time; when it is needed mostly.  Pat

[razorback]

Thanks Pat.
Don't have the material yet but have the paper tape. Can I remove the tape later and replace with material or cover the paper when I am finishing the bow?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

You can back right over the dry wall tape. Put a layer of glue on the tape let it dry then more glue & the new backing.

You could just paint the tape.

[razorback]

I was thinking about painting the tape. Would make a great medium for painting on a nice patern or some such artwork. unfortunately my six year old paints better than me.

Maybe I'll have her decorate my bows for me  

[Pat B]

The paper tape is fine as a backing. If I used one of the above, I'd stick with it through the building process and finish work. Too much work trying to remove it. You can add the silk or linen over the paper tape but you are adding extra weight to the limbs that will impede cast.
   Having your six year old do the decorating, you might just come up with the perfect camo pattern.
   Good luck! I'm off to the piny woods of GA for a hunting weekend. See ya'll Sunday evening.        Pat

[razorback]

I was thinking of adding an arrow shelf. Is it too late to cut one in and if not what is the proper location.
The bow has a 5" handel with 2 1/2" fade. Is 1 3/4 " wide at end of fades. Is also 70" ntn but I may shorten it a little.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
I will try to get some photos added to help with input.

[razorback]

Well I backed it with paper, thought I had the tiller down pretty good and strung it up to brace height. BANG  :mad:  One limb snapped about 6" from tip. Not sure what happened but looks like I have a kids bow in the offering. I think I can get about 48"ntn out of what I have left. Will check it very carefully for flaws before i give it to one of the kids. If nothing else will provide some more practice.
se la vie