Ive decided to make my first long bow out of an oak stave. Before I start, I was wondering what lenght I should make it. I have a 30 inch draw. I was thinking of making it 66", but after thinking about my draw lenght, I think I should stick with 68". Im not going to leave it as a self bow, but back it with either raw hide or glass. What do you all think?

If you were making it out of osage, I'd say 66" might work but I'd still be inclined to go 68". Making it out of oak though, if it was me, I'd be planning it for 72" for a 30" pull and a fairly wide, flat limb cross-section, especially if you're using red oak. It is pretty susceptable to compression fractures on the belly.

I've never used white oak, so I don't know if it's the same way or not. And keep in mind that I'm pretty conservative when it comes to bow design. I'd rather not have one up and whack me in the head because I made it too short, and I've never had one break because I made it too long.

I'm in complete agreement with Arthur. Oak bows will have o very long to accomidate your long draw. 70 to 72" would be a much safer bet than 66". Why Oak and not osage?

Im going with oak because its my first bow. Ive been a carpenter before and know osage is not the easiest wood to work with. I also want to screw up (if I do, keep my fingers crossed), it wont be as expensive of a mistake with oak. Im using white oak instead of red. white is a little more durable, or at least from my experience with working with the different woods.