How to tell if a bow is safe?

[grayfalcon]

I'm making a hickory board bow, is there any way to tell if it will explode in my face when I draw it other than trial and error? I tried to make a bow out of mountain mahogany, it turned out alright but after a few shots it made a cracking noise and I haven't drawn it since. Thanks

 

[Billy Goat]

You can make a draw board and draw it.

But any longbow can blow up at anytime, seen a few do it to guys. Recurves too. Normally you hear some cracking and it splinters apart not very violently. Sometimes more violent.

 

[grayfalcon]

Alright thanks

 

[slvrslngr]

Short answer, no. Even the best designed and built bow can fail. But, if you follow the rules of selfbow building and do a good job of tillering, your bow should last.

 

[grayfalcon]

Thanks!

 

[Rob5589]

Give it to a buddy to try. If it explodes, buy him a beer to apologize.

 

[Billy Goat]

Give it to a buddy to try. If it explodes, buy him a beer to apologize.

He needs to have a longer draw tho.

In shotguns that's called a proof load.

 

[grayfalcon]

Give it to a buddy to try. If it explodes, buy him a beer to apologize.

That works

 

[Foggy Mountain]

Have your ex wife shoot it. She’ll def let you know. Hope that was helpful