Poplar for selfbow for grandkids?

[rbbhunt]

Had my grandkids (ages 4 and 7) up this weekend and got them shooting a bow and they loved it, especially the 4 year old boy.  He said his parents would like it if I built him a bow!  The question is, would poplar work OK?  I can get some for a reasonable price at the local Woodcraft store.  Obviously, they would be short in draw and light in weight.

PS.  I'll post some pictures of them shooting soon.

[soopernate]

Poplar has never been pop'lar....couldnt resist.  Home depot has red oak that is quarter inch by an inch and a half wide by four feet long that will work well for the four year old for sure and probably for the seven year old....I am going to be building a pair soon. Elk ninja has a buildalong somewhere on this site that could help you out lots.

Here is the link:

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=035877

Good luck and have fun

[Tom Leemans]

Rattan kids bows! They're indestructable! My Daughter still has hers from 6 years ago.

[ishiwannabe]

I made a poplar bow....well almost. It cracked at 22" of draw....six inches short. I would suggest oak or some other wood that is tried and true.

[rbbhunt]

Thanks for the info.  I'll start on something soon.