how narrow is too narrow on Osage?

[dismount]

I need some feedback from you all on a left over osage stave peice from a bow I built. its 68'' long 1 inch wide but narrows to 3/4 inch in the center, with 3'' thick on belly side. Can I make a 40# bow from this? Do I need to frrench fry the belly to stop bad set? I thought about making a round belly bow like a ELB. Any thoughts?    I just don't know if it would be worth getting yellow dust all over my wifes car in the garage     Dismount

[Justin Snyder]

It is always worth making dust.  With that length you can easily make a #40 bow out of a 1" wide stave.  Now go make a mess in the garage. 

[koan]

Find Patb's "Sliver" bow...you can still make a serious hunter from that piece ifn your careful....Brian

[Pat B]

It really doesn't take much osage to make a good bow of hunting weight. Osage doesn't mind a rounded belly but a more rectangular cross section with a slight rounded belly will be more stable.
Leave the handle area a bit thicker since it is the narrowest area. You don't need 68" either to make the weight.          Pat
   

[dismount]

Thanks fellers, I don't know what i'd do without ya.  Should I temper the belly?  Phil

[sailordad]

heck i'm attemping a osage bow from a piece thats about the same width but a little shorter,like 10" or so shorter.
go for it,osage is precious to some,like me,so waste not  want not.use it up,if nothing else its always good practice.

[Pat B]

I tempered the belly on the bow I posted with the tiger stripe backing. I think it works better on wood that is less compression strong but it also works on osage. 

[George Tsoukalas]

I made my daughter a bow a few years ago with about that those dimensions. I got about 22# at 21 inch  out of it. I ended up reflexing the las 6 inches or so. Jawge

[FlintWalker]

1" wide is plenty for a hunting weight bow.  I believe if you cut it down to around 64" and temper the belly, you could easily get 50# out of it and not have much set either. A little osage goes a long way.

[adb]

Go for it. At the very least, it should make an excellent kids bow. Narrowest I've gone is 1.25", but I know 1" is plenty. Osage is wonder wood, and can take very narrow dimensions. Other than ipe, it is the best when narrow.

[dismount]

Thanks everybody, I'll start on the bow after Okie1 sends me a pic. I'll post a pic when and if it becomes a bow. Mrs. Dismount is reading this and is not a happy camper. Hey "guys"this is Mrs Dismount aka" the boss" I am glad Dismount has to guys to talk with  but it would sure help me if you could also encourage him to clean up all the yellow dust !!!!!   

[sailordad]

that aint dust,thats memories and oh yea its also parts of a stave that didnt contain a bow.

[FlintWalker]

Whatever it is, it makes neon boogers if you breath enough of it

[sailordad]

i never take that much time and analyze my boogies

just pick em and flick em let the one that it hits figure out whats in it

[Pat B]

Boy, you guys sure don't know how to act in the presents of a lady.    Welcome Mrs. Dismount! You'll have to excuse the boys. They don't get to see too many ladies here on PA so their manners are a bit rusty.     Pat