Planning my Red Oak Trade Bow

[Matt Heppe]

I'd like to stretch myself a little with this trade bow.(I've successfully made a few flatbow/longbows) Here are a few things I'd like to try:

1) Static recurve tips.
2) Trapping the back.
3) Heat treating (maybe?)

Assuming a goal of approximately a 45# draw @ 27"

1) How long should the bow be?
2) How big should the recurves be?
3) Bendy handle  or no?

[tattoo dave]

Well I started my RO trade bow but broke it already. I steamed and bent some recurve into the tips. The first end splintered just a little, but the second flat out broke. I don't think I'll be bending anymore red oak. But maybe somebody with more experience could make it work.

Tattoo Dave

[ionicmuffin]

you could try boiling it??? I imagine that would get it bending right quick. test it on a scrap piece.

[Matt Heppe]

I was going to go with boiling. Looking forward to attempting my first bends.

[madcrow]

I have done a few bendy handles red oaks, unbacked, and usually around 60 inches for a my 28 inch draw.  I also had very little success with recurving with dry heat.  I did boil one and it went pretty good.

[Dauntless]

Recurves, trapping the back and toasting the belly all strain the back more. You better get one perfect board for this to work, chasing a ring on a plain sawn one might be the best solution.