bow breaking

[DaveMac]

Hi all I'm only part way through making my first pyramid board bow (68" NtN Ash, aiming for 30lb). Cant remember where I read it but someone suggested giving away your first few bows while you practice.

Is this safe? I think I'd be worried about the bow breaking. At what point is a bow relatively safe? I've linen backed the bow with TB3 but have recently read that this becomes brittle so might not be the protection I thought it would be.

[Pat B]

Any wood bow can break anytime. If you put 100 arrows through these bows and there is no ill effect then I'd say they are good to give away but without seeing them first hand it is hard to say..

[John Scifres]

I would not feel comfortable with that.

[LittleBen]

I wouldn't give one away until you've made lots and lots and shot hundreds of arrows through them and can be really sure.

Then I'd never give one away to anyone who isn't meticulous with the care of their equipment.

Lastly, I probably wouldn't give a wood bow to anyone who doesn't also make/shoot there own wood bows. They'll know the risks and how to identify a problem.

Also I'd be more hesitant to send a bow to an area with a different climate. A bow which is safe in maine, may not be safe in arizona.