short board bow?

[bowkill]

I have a piece of red oak that is 6 feet long, 3/4" thick, and 1 1/2" wide.  It has dried to take a set?  I think that's what it's called.  If it were a bow instead of a board, I would say it has about 1" of string follow.  Can I make it into a "short", plains style bow?  I was going to get osage, or hickory, but I thought I would try this board out first for practice.  I would like it to pull 45+ pounds at my full draw that is about 25-26 inches.

[1/2primitive]

You can flip it around, so it has reflex, instead of 'set'.    Don't try that with a finished bow, though.....kaboom! 
      Sean

[DanaM]

Bowkill when Ya say short how short ya talking? Make a bend in the handle bow backed with linen
and I don't see a problem with 56 to 58" bow.

[bowkill]

I was thinking of making it aroung 55".  I might go a little longer though.  I was going to recurve the tips by soaking in hot water, and putting in a clamp.  Or should I use dry heat, and clamp?

[bowkill]

TTT

What do you guys think of the recurving idea?

[Pappy]

Never done an Oak before ,but I would guess boiling it would be best,it is on most white wood.
    Pappy

[bowkill]

Thanks Pappy! That's what I'll try.  I'll let you know how it goes.