Follow the bend?

[critman]

I have only made bows out of red oak boards following the natural bend as to what is the belly and back. Every bow I make has some amount of set, some worse than others (up to 2"). What if I put the bend to the belly side of the bow so the bend faces away from me? Kinda like a natural reflex. Is this another train ride to disasterville? I tend to spend too much time there already so need yall's advice.  :confused:

[takefive]

As long as the grain is good, I don't think it matters.  The board bow build alongs I've seen say to use the best side of the board for the back regardless of how it's been sawn.  If you have a bandsaw or table saw you could rip your board and glue some reflex into it, too.

[George Tsoukalas]

No, it doesn't matter and 2" or under is quite acceptable for set. Jawge

[John Scifres]

Yes, of course you should if possible.

[critman]

New to this reflex business. Takefive, can I use titebond II or III to glue back up or is it pretty much smooth on only? Working on a form right now.

[takefive]

I use Unibond.  It's good at filling small gaps and you don't have to heat it.  It just has to cure overnight at 70 degrees minimum.  Have you checked out Roy's tri-lam build along?  He glued that bow up with Unibond.

[John Scifres]

Didn't mean to sound so condescending.  I should have said, by all means.

[critman]

takefive, unfamiliar with Unibond. Did a search and what I am seeing is tubes like epoxy. Is this what your'e talking about? Did see a can of Unibond but it was instant set like what you use for formica counter tops. Does any larger retailers carry this?
John, no offense taken  

[takefive]

I bought mine from 3 Rivers Archery.  They should have it in stock.