Is this a good piece of wood?

[RGK]

I want to make a red oak bow. I bought this 1 x 2 x 6 feet long at the home depot.

   

   

   

[wakolbinger]

It's a bit hard to tell in the last pic, but it looks like a great piece of wodd for a bow...

dan

[RGK]

The grain is very straight and does not run off of either the back or the belly.

[Osagetree]

never built a board bow,,, thought kiln dried wood was too brittle.
I would back the bow with something and review Mickeys web site about building board bows before you continue on.

I'd like to find a piece of osage with those rings in it. I'd back it with bamboo, been wanting to try the boo!

[Bob Barnes]

I agree that it looks about perfect and would probably be no problem at all.  I would also back it though...just to be safe.  I have my students build lots of board bows and I always have them use the drywall tape with wood glue for a backing.  It can be covered easily with snake or camo tape for that matter.
Have fun.
Bob

[rebelrecurve]

RGK, here's some links with excellent info on board bows.  Post your progress and you'll get lots of help along the way.

 http://www.geocities.com/salampsio/oak.htm

 http://mysite.verizon.net/georgeandjoni/boards.html

 http://groups.msn.com/ferretsarcherywebpage

[RGK]

WOW! great info. Thanks. That first website was what initially inspired me to build this bow.

[ishiwannabe]

Nice thread....now I know whatto look for. Thanks.

[30coupe]

Have at it. It should make a nice bow. As others have said, backing is just about mandatory on a board bow. Even if it breaks, making a board bow is fun and a great experience. Take your time, exercise it often during the build and it should be fine. It's hard to find one with grain that good...I've tried.

Russ