nw ga newbie

[steven mcdaniel]

hey every one if i could i would like to get any ones opinion about max draw weight and length on a 4 ft red oak self bow its for a 10 yr old kid i want him to kinda grow into it if possible looking for about 40# @ 26 in but not explode in his face right now its a rough profile haven't even cut out the handle and barley floor tiller the thing with most of my weight so i think i have some working room but like the title says i'm greener than the grass on the other side of the fence when it comes to making bows iv broke 3 so far but learnt to slow it down and pay more attention just need some general direction thanks to any and all

[RedMan37]

I'm a newbie myself. But I'm thinking you may be better of shooting for 30# to be safer. That's a pretty short bow and red oak isn't the strongest in compression. I'm 100% positive that it can be done. But you need a great stave or board and it's gonna take a good tillering process. Listen to others opinions though. I may be completely wrong. I know I would definitely want to back the bow. Good luck and keep us informed! Any healthy hobby that gets kids involved is a wonderful thing!

[LittleBen]

I built a red oak flatbow of 48" long, I think it draws about 40 or 45# @24", but that thing scares the hell out of me. The tiller is clean and it's frettign all over the place. It stays on teh wall and does not visit the range.

I think you are going way way way too short on this one. Especially if you are new to making bows. 48" anything is a challenge, 48" red oak is like mission impossible.

For red oak I'd recommend the bow be at least as tall as the archer. I don't know if the child is currently drawing 26" or you're planning for it. A draw length of 26" would be about right for somone who's maybe 5' 6" or so. I think you need at least 60 or 62" to try and make that draw length, and honestly I think even thats more trouble than you need. 64" to 66" will make things alot easier, and it'll take less set, cast should still be just fine.

48" should probably be more appropriate for a person of 4' to 4' 6" tall.

I draw 25" and I make my red oak bows no less than 60", but I've also made a dozen board bows maybe, and more than a dozen others. Also, since I made the bow I can constantly monitor it for problems. A child will not do that.

Good luck, let us know how it goes and post pics.

[steven mcdaniel]

thanks for the advice its a good thing i have more staves from the rest of that tree i believe i'll follow yalls advice with the dimension suggestions better safe than sorry  60 does seem to be safer to carry the load any suggestions on backing i can get my hands on some boo easy enuf this kid is stout for a kid the last thing i want is for him to over stress it how wide would yall make a red oak thanks for the replies

[macbow]

I think boo will be too strong for red oak. Will overpower it.
Agree on the 60 inches or so. 25 pounds at 26 inches may be more in line.

[macbow]

You could put a cloth backing on it. Won't keep it from breaking but will be less catastrophic .