Death of the board bow?

[J. Holden]

I went to my local H*** D**** to buy some red oak today with the intention of building a bow again.  I built one a few years back and over time it wound up in the burn pile.  It was successful, I just feel outta love with it.  So in a fit of cleaning I pitched it.

Anyway, I've got the itch again and thought I'd give it a go.  Well, unfortunately the above mentioned store is no longer carrying red oak boards.  So I've got to do some looking.  I think L**** has some but the closest one to me closed down.  Ugh, all in the name of business I suppose.

But, I wonder if this will deter others who may be contemplating taking on a project like this.

-Jeremy

[Captain*Kirk]

Jeremy, I was just discussing this with Petrichor the other day...we were both thinking on it after watching Clay Hayes' video on building a board bow.
Clay recommended maple or red oak. I'm thinking maple would be a lot easier to find in our neck of the woods. If I come across one I'll let you know. Gonna check M*****s next time I'm there...

[Captain*Kirk]

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[monterey]

Hickory would work too.  Needs to be straight like too.

[Pat B]

Look for a specialty lumber company in your area. I bought a 5/4 x 6" x 10' long hickory a few years ago for about $20. You have to pick through the stacks to find a board with appropriate grain on the back and the sides and be sure to put the stacks back neatly like you found them.

[George Tsoukalas]

The big box stores have red oak. Jawge

[Knoll]

In my experience, HD stores carry red oak and hard maple.
Lo... carries red oak.
Men.... carries hickory.

I'd second PatB's recommend, though. If possible, find hardwood lumber retailer. Likely more boards to look at and likely less costly.

Good luck!

[wapitishooter]

Ive found hickory is far superior to red oak and buy mine at m*******

[monterey]

My local HD has started carrying hickory but it's hard to find a good piece.   

[George Tsoukalas]

I never broke a red oak board bow when I've picked the  board stave. Jawge

[bdsmith1]

Make sure you double check the moisture level. When I lived out west, box store lumber (usually plastic wrapped) could come in below 9% pretty often.  Red oak, hickory or any other board will be brittle below 9. Good luck!

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