How to reflex a red oak board bow

[mpalmer9]

I have had good success with my first few red oak bows so I want to try something a little different.  What would be the best way to put some reflex in a straight red oak board?

[Roy from Pa]

Clamp it down and use blocks to raise the tips, then heat it with a heat gun. Or clamp it in a reflexed state with a backing glued on it.

[Pat B]

The only time I reflexed a red oak board bow with a hickory backing and glued up in reflex.

[Eric Krewson]

Pat is right, best way to reflex a board is to glue a backing on in a reflex. This type of added reflex will be more permanent.

[Sam Harper]

Another way is to cut a kerf in the tip maybe about 4 or 5 inches long, put some glue in the kerf, put a thin piece of wood with it, bend it around a piece of wood or something, and clamp it in place.

[mpalmer9]

I'm assuming a wood backing would be best.  I understand bamboo would not really be an option for red oak.  Where is it possible to find different wood backings?  Is hickory about the only other option?

[vanillabear?]

[Roy from Pa]

Great idea bear.

[red hill]

Matt, from what I've read here and elsewhere, there are several options for wood backing. Elm is an example, but listen to the more experienced members.
Stan