Red oak.

[Mafort]

So I see everywhere that red oak can be used to build a decent bow. Does it work well when necked with hickory and then bamboo??? Was wanting to try it and save a bit of money but I figure I’d stop by and ask.

[George Tsoukalas]

Made many a self-bow from red oak boards and red oak  staves. Jawge

[Pat B]

I've backed red oak with hickory successfully but I wouldn't even attempt a boo backing for red oak.

[Mafort]

I've backed red oak with hickory successfully but I wouldn't even attempt a boo backing for red oak.

why not???

[bushboy]

Red oak is somewhat low in compression so when mated with a very high tension material like bamboo the belly cells will most likely colapse ,take on a lots of set and go onto frett.a thin hard maple back and a red oak belly would be my choice.

[Mafort]

Red oak is somewhat low in compression so when mated with a very high tension material like bamboo the belly cells will most likely colapse ,take on a lots of set and go onto frett.a thin hard maple back and a red oak belly would be my choice.

what about a hickory backing???

[bushboy]

I would try to keep the hickory backing as thin as possible within reason.say 1/16th or a little more.

[Mafort]

I would try to keep the hickory backing as thin as possible within reason.say 1/16th or a little more.

so 1/8 is too thick?

[bushboy]

I/8 th will work

[George Tsoukalas]

I've backed red oak with linen, silk and burlap. Jawge