Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Bearded Mountain Man on March 03, 2014, 06:04:54 pm

Title: Osage 2x4's Question. (pic heavy)
Post by: Bearded Mountain Man on March 03, 2014, 06:04:54 pm

Okay so about 2 years ago I was given these Osage 2x4's. (The one on the left is 75 1/2" and the one on the right is 76 3/4".) They were seasoned for about 3 years before I got them. They have some wind shakes and bug holes, but seem like someone could still use them to make bows out of. I am not experienced at all in bow making yet, and I am wondering if you experienced bowyers had any insight on how difficult it would be to actually turn these into something shootable. I am thinking about posting them on the Trading Post, but again I don't know if they are even usable. Any insight would be appreciated. As I took the pictures I rotated them to the right. Hopefully you can get a good idea of what shape they are in.

Title: Re: Osage 2x4's Question. (pic heavy)
Post by: Bearded Mountain Man on March 03, 2014, 06:06:33 pm

here are a few more.

Title: Re: Osage 2x4's Question. (pic heavy)
Post by: Bearded Mountain Man on March 03, 2014, 06:07:22 pm

and the ends.

Title: Re: Osage 2x4's Question. (pic heavy)
Post by: Blaflair2 on March 03, 2014, 06:09:14 pm

The larger one u may be able to chase a ring on

Title: Re: Osage 2x4's Question. (pic heavy)
Post by: Dean Marlow on March 03, 2014, 06:51:03 pm

It is tough to see how the grain runs on those type of boards. If you can try and chase a ring on them and then you should be able to see how the grain runs on them. Might be something you could back with something also. Bamboo ect.

Title: Re: Osage 2x4's Question. (pic heavy)
Post by: adb on March 03, 2014, 07:27:07 pm

Forget about chasing a ring. Those are boards... rough cut boards, but boards none the less. Try and see where you've got some straight grain, and cut out some belly lams. Get your hands on some nice straight grained maple, ash or hickory backing strips and make some laminated bows. There's definitely bows in there, and more than one.

Title: Re: Osage 2x4's Question. (pic heavy)
Post by: lesken2011 on March 03, 2014, 07:29:58 pm

Quote

Forget about chasing a ring. Those are boards... rough cut boards, but boards none the less. Try and see where you've got some straight grain, and cut out some belly lams. Get your hands on some nice straight grained maple, ash or hickory backing strips and make some laminated bows. There's definitely bows in there, and more than one.

+1

Title: Re: Osage 2x4's Question. (pic heavy)
Post by: half eye on March 03, 2014, 09:10:07 pm

I mill my own lumber, and that quarter-sawn you got will make fine self bows. And a bunch of them. If ya dont like the grain then back them. 
rich

Title: Re: Osage 2x4's Question. (pic heavy)
Post by: Bearded Mountain Man on March 03, 2014, 11:27:23 pm

I may be able to use a friends band saw and then I can maybe get something out of it. I think making some lams would be a good idea if I can pull it off. Thanks!