Hickory boards

[Gene Gillis]

Can someone get me lined out? Thought I read enough to build a bow but,I don't know. I have a hickoryboard 72"x 1.5" I glued on an 8"hickory handle in the center with a taper on each end. The stock is 9/16" thick after planeing it down. Should I back it with anything? I have Pretty Cherry, Ash,Bamboo,and more hickory I can use.I need it to be a 50#, I pull at 30 or 31".Can someone chime in here now? I am all ears.I don't know how thick to make the back ,or when to glue it on. Thanks ,Gene.

[vanillabear?]

[Gene Gillis]

I havent figured out the picture thing yet. I'll try tomorrow though.Is the thickness good enough or would I need to go with a thicker piece of hickory to get a 50# bow? Putting another hickory piece back to back is it considered a backing or just part of the bow?

[okie64]

9/16 is thick enough to get 50#. Go from 9/16 at the fades to 1/2" at midlimb, then go to 7/16 thick at the tips to start out. I would keep it 1.5" wide out to midlimb and then taper to 1/2" wide at the tips. Then you can scrape wood from there to get your tiller right. If you cant get 50# at that length you can cut it down to bring your poundage up.

[vanillabear?]

[Gene Gillis]

Ok guys ,thanks. Building up courage to give it a little more go ahead.I assume the back of hickory should be how thick? little more than 1/8? and should it be put on before or after tiller? Sorry about so many questions. This is a DISEASE!

[PEARL DRUMS]

I would go thinner on the back if your planer allows. Say .100 or less. If your core is good grain and solid it wont take much of a back as stated above. Backs are nice if you want to glue a little reflex in to keep the profile straight after tillering/shoot in. I glue 3" in and it comes out dang near straight.

[vanillabear?]

[Gene Gillis]

Ok guys , thanks, I think I'm ready to give it a try again.

[red hill]

These guys know what's up. All gave good advice. I'd back it just for the peace of mind. 1/8" or less makes a good backing. I love my hickory backed hickory.
Good luck,
Stan