osage for a friend

[bradsmith2010]

  making a bow,, Im always amazed how beautiful osage is,,
I started trying to hit a growth ring didnt get it first try, but I got plenty of wood to go down,, will try tomorrow and take my time,,
   i tried my best to lay it out around some problem areas, but got a limb knot I hope I can narrow out,,
   I am trying for 64 inch  55@ 29.5    ,, I think if I make it bend slightly in handle I can do it,, gonna try,,
   not sure if I will post enough for a build along, but wanted some of the newer guys see my try it,, its gonna be a self bow no backing, he wants to shoot it in some competitions,,
   I have two back up staves just in case,, and Im thinking I will make two and give him the one that shoots the best,,
ok here some pics of the start,, the way the grain swirls around the knot worries me a bit but let me get the limb roughed out and narrowed and see what it does,,,ok its about 1 1/4 wide if I take it off,,at that spot,, and closer to handle than mid limb,, so its not so bad

[superdav95]

I’m watching this one.  Will be good to see what you do with that knot

[bradsmith2010]

or what the knot does with me,,   Ill have 1 1/4 width if I take it off, so thats what im gonna try to do ,, and be really careful to follow the grain at that spot,,

[Digital Caveman]

Cant wait to see how it goes!

[bradsmith2010]

  Ok I emailed Simon of Stonehill Primitive,, and he suggested if I make a stiff handle to reflex deflex it,, but said if its bendy handle with gentle reflex he sees not problem,, I am always interested in his thoughts on bow making,,as an example he sent me picss of a 61 inch self bow drawing 61# @ 32 inches,, reflex deflex,,

[bradsmith2010]

ok I started to narrow the limb a bit,, and the limb knot is becoming less of an issue,, I feel like I can almost wrasp it off and have enough width,,this is what it looks like today,, I am almost on one growth ring, it got a little tricky around some pin knots and I had to start over several times,,,at least Im not on a deadline,,,

[Pappy]

Coming along Brad, I'm with you, I don't like dead lines when I am working on bows, or anything else for that matter.
 Pappy

[Selfbowman]

Brad it may be to late but I think that taking two more rings off will give you more dense late ring with the thicker rings. May be a reason for your decision. 

[bradsmith2010]

thanks,, I did go down to better ring,, good advice

[George Tsoukalas]

Good to see you working on bows, Brad. Jawge