Is this board good enough?

[JackSprat]

http://imgur.com/a/K7sFK

It was the best one in the bunch at Lowe's, most seemed much worse to my inexperienced eye. I plan on backing with silk regardless but I was hoping to get some confirmation from an expert or two that, properly tillered of course, this board would have a chance to become a decent bow.

[dmikeyj]

You'll have to back that one, I think.  Silk, linen, rawhide...

[BassBow]

You could try backing it with fiberglass drywall tape and tite bond 2 ala Sam Harper and poorfkbows.com. I have only built two thus far and it has helped my success rate I believe.

[J. Holden]

The end grain looks good but it has too many run outs in my opinion.  I'd look for a different one.  When I made my first red oak boards bow I waited until I had the "right" one.  And then I bought one that was more narrow than recommended because I couldn't find a decent one at the recommended width.  Good luck with your search and don't rush it.

-Jeremy  

[beetlebailey1977]

Very bad run offs in the grain.

[JackSprat]

Well, disappointing but not surprising I guess. It's a good thing they're cheap! I'll keep my eye for a better one.

Where do you guys get your wood anyway? Any good suppliers online or usually just straight from a tree?

[1025 vs]

Can't tell from the pictures how wide or long that board is, but you might be able to lay out one bow diagonally on the board, parallel with the grain. I'd still back it, though. And try to avoid that little knot.