starting my first osage bow. I have a few ?s W/pics.

[George Tsoukalas]

I can't help with backed bows.I've never done a wooden or bamboo backed bow but that is some mighty fine looking  selfbow wood. I like 8% for osage. Jawge

[possum]

I think those are the billets I was biddin' on.   At least I know who got them.     Have fun with them.  I was gonna splice some and make take downs.

possum

[330bull]

I recommend a Nicholson #50 rasp if you start looking for one.  They're ~$50 but after using it on my last osage bow I deeply regret not getting one earlier.

[Jesse]

Thanks guys I do have 2 rasps One is a small 4 way and the other is a large feriers rasp.
I started on one billet yesterday and once I got the bark off I found a deep crack down the back and a deep worm hole. I was able to get through both and have enough left for the bow. I think following growth rings is fun I like how you can feel when you hit the light colored part and then it gets smooth again when you are through. I had been intimidated by osage because you need to follow a ring. Now that Ive tried it I love it. Much more fun than making a backed bow so far.I like that no 2 will ever be the exact same.                        Jesse