First Dead, Second Try

[Bevan R.]

The first Trade Bow stave died. Found a split when I roughed it out. I was able to save one limb for a possable TD latter.
I grabbed stave #2 and took it to a ring. In looking at it, I do not like the little narrow dip toward one end.
I got to thinking, the ends are the widest and thickest part. Has anyone ever cut a stave in half and billeted it back using the original ends and the joint?
I have marked the middle of the stave with a line in the picture.
Comments GREATLY appreciated.

Bevan R

[Will H]

looks like a good start! can we see a close up of the rings?

[Bevan R.]

Sorry, should have included that in the start up.

Bevan R

[Elktracker]

I dont see any reason why you couldnt do that, a splice is just as strong as a full stave imo if you use the right splice and glue. I preffer the z splice and I use Urac 185 and it is as strong as the wood its self. John Strunk has been working with me on splices and I too am going to be changing my trade bow from a challenging vine maple stave to a dry nice spliced Iron Wood (Ocean Spray) Ill post pics tomorrow.

Josh

[Bevan R.]

I have done MANY 'Z' splices on board bows and I have never had a splice fail. My concern is that narrow dip and if I splice, I can move it out toward the end of a limb instead of being in the middle. Not trying to give anything away, but I have to make this bow stronger and longer draw than I use so I think I have a valid concern with the dip.
Another option is to go to 'Stave 3'

Bevan R

[George Tsoukalas]

Can you take a picture of the dip? It doesn't really look that bad. Jawge

[Elktracker]

Ok I misunderstood your question And Im not sure exactly what you are asking due to my inexperiance im sure. Im betting someone who knows there stuff can help  

[Bevan R.]

My concern is not the curve, it is how the stave narrows right there. The angle of the split stave is a 'V' from the back of the bow to the belly. There is only about 1" wide of usable wood where that curve is.

Bevan R

[Pat B]

Start your limb taper for that tip right at the dip. I think you have plenty of wood. Let the stave tell you what it wants to be, not what you want to make of it.   

[Bevan R.]

Thanks guys,
Pat, I will do a layout on it tommorrow night and post a pic before I do any cutting.
I keep telling myself, "No rush. I have until the end of June"

Bevan R

[Pat B]

If you think it's too narrow make the limb thicker. Osage can take it.   I'll bet you can work it out if you study the stave well.