very ambitious project... DX

[jakeas]

well, this must be the most stupid idea i have had in a long while... i am planning on making a 68" pine flat bow with some sort of backing (havent decided yet) any ideas on how i should do this?
thanks j

[aaron]

Well, at that length it will have to be wide- like 3 inches.
At that width the handle will have to be stiff and narrowed.
You'll need a backing that won't overpower the pine belly- like rawhide.
Make the back and belly flat- the cross section a rectangle.
Make the limbs bend over their entire length- no stiff tips.
Wear safety glasses and take photos!

[jakeas]

thanks aaron will bare that in mind! i will post the pics whatever the result... :p

[jakeas]

by the way i plan to make the handle 3/4" and the width may be a problem. eek! the limbs are only guna be  1 3/4" wide... this could get interesting...

[PEARL DRUMS]

I think it sounds perfect. Be sure to use good, solid pine boards.

[aaron]

1 3/4 is kinda narrow for pine- I suggest lower draw weight- like 30 lbs. I'm resisting the urge to ask why you are building a pine bow. What type of pine? Have you checked it's density?

[jakeas]

i think the board is strong enough. the grain is strait, ish and the late growth seems to be "ok". but i was thinking a layer of carbon fibre on the back may give it strength and extra pounds, maybe? and i am going to use knock overlays and for the handle i was going to use another extension, teak or something. 
j

[turtle]

Carbon fiber?  I never saw that growing in the woods.

[jakeas]

of maybe mdf board? and no there isnt a mdf plant either... lol

[Pappy]

Good luck with that,keep in mind this bow section is for all natural material so if plan on anything else post it in around the campfire.
   Pappy

[aaron]

carbon fiber would overpower the belly for sure, you need a stretchy backing like rawhide, or even brown paper bag.

[jakeas]

ow. im sorry didnt realise... will keep to he natural stuff. :S

[jakeas]

right i see. will have to do same more research.thanks

[PEARL DRUMS]

When your done doing your research, pine wont be on your list anymore.

[jakeas]

i know pine is the worst stuff to use. the only reason i am using it as its the cheapest way i can practice my skills before i spend £30 on some ash and screw it up. DX now i wouldn't want that! im just considering ways i could make it be something more then a training dummy. it might even be used as an ornament when its done.