Osage Bow (that hopefully doesn't take 10 months)

[Pat B]

Yes, I'd go down one more ring and be very careful to achieve a clean back.

[Marin]

Thanks, I'll use the draw knife to go down to the next ring tomorrow.
But what do you mean  by "clean back"? One clean of the remaining early wood? Was my back already clean?

[bjrogg]

I believe he mean no violations. Clean smooth unviolated back. Make this one your best.
Bjrogg

[Marin]

Okay, i chased it down to the next ring. I've attached pics. I wasn't able to fully remove wood at the tips as it is very hard to use draw knife and scraper in these areas. I'll remove the wood later.
Hiw does it look?
If it looks good, I will then use a hatchet to take off a wedge of wood from the belly to thin out the stave and, since this stave seems big enough, get out another possible stave for a short osage bow.

[Marin]

More photos

[Pat B]

I meant just what BJ said.
Be sure to seal that freshly exposed back ring. I've had well seasoned osage stave check if newly exposed wood was not sealed. I like spray shellac. Quick and easy and is easy to removes and compatible with most finishes.

[Marin]

So the back looks fine?
Do you think I can get one more bow out of this stave?

[Marin]

Unfortunately I don't have shellac on me and lowes is closing soon. However, so far, it hasn't checked on any if the rings I have chased. Is that a good sign?
I'm keeping the stave indoors and the stave came from hot and humid Virginia with no checking. I could go to the storefront shellac tomorrow though
How long would it take to check?

[loon]

Could use white glue? But then it could be gunky and annoying to remove. Maybe it'd be fine and you could just scrape or peel it off

[Pat B]

You might be able to get two staves out of that one but you may also get 2 unusable ones also. Go with one bow. Later, when you're more experienced you might give it a try.

[Marin]

Would it be too dangerous to try and take a wedge of wood off the belly with a hatchet and a hammer? It would really help reduce the belly but if it's too dangerous I'll avoid it.
How long does wood take to check?

[Pat B]

You should be able to remove the wedge off the inside. Start it with the hatchet and once you get it started work from both sides with wedges as you work down the stave. Be sure you leave enough for your handle thickness.
 Wood can check in a matter of minutes if it is real dry R/H. I've had seasoned staves check over night in my basement shop.

[ksnow]

Make a stopping cut with a saw or a few light chops with the hatchet next to the handle area.  Then split in from the ends like PatB said.  Works great for fast wood removal.

Kyle

[Marin]

I've checked the stave and it hasn't checked so far.
I'll remove a wedge of wood as you suggested.

[Marin]

How does this sound for thickness dimensions: I'm making a bendy handle bow with a slightly narrowed handle. The handle will be 3/4", the beginning of the limb (at the fades) 5/8", and the tips is 1/2". I'll make my stave so that 1" of wood is left when I take off that wedge of wood.
Do these dimensions seem fine?