bookshelves or bows?

[robA72]

Hey guys. My father-in-law gave me several hickory boards. I was very appreciative but am not sure if I can get a bow out of any of them. Can you guys tell me if I have any pieces that will birth a bow? Or do I have some bookshelves to build?
board1
 
board2
 
board3
 
board4
 

board5
 
board6
 

[alteredbeast]

you could certainly get some bows out of most of those just use a good backing

[mwosborn]

Looks like they would make some nice book shelves to me.  :D   But what do I know?  Give it a try.

[PEARL DRUMS]

I see some nasty stuff that would challenge you and I see some that are fine for board bows. Rip off 1.75" wide strips in the best part of each board to use for bows. Save the rest for handle and overlays.

[LittleBen]

x2 what PD said.

[RedMan37]

Kids need to learn from the school of hard nocks! The heck with books! Kill meat to survive. I say make bows. It's probably gonna depend on how brittle those boards are. I would cut one and start tillering. If it's not gonna work it'll probably reveal itself. But I'm a newbie. What do I know?

[robA72]

Thanks guys. I'll give it a shot and keep you all posted.
RedMan, I like your thinking! LOL!!!

[canopyboy]

Hickory is tough stuff.  Doubt you'll need to back it unless you have some really bad runoff.  Especially down the edges of the boards, you have some stuff that might make a bow.  Especially one about 50# or under.  Just do it.  You'll learn something one way or another and probably end up with something that's a fine bow to boot.

[George Tsoukalas]

The right side of the first 2 staves may get you a bow or 2 if you rip out a couple of inches. Make sure there are no knots no matter how tiny. Jawge

[LESKEN2011]

If you can draw out a bow with pretty straight grain, you might try it, but stay away from the swirly grain. It is a splinter waiting to happen. I would try to acquire a good board with straight grain and cut some backing strips to use with that hickory. It looks fine for belly wood. You might even try backing it with rawhide.