Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Mounter on June 10, 2018, 09:37:05 am

Title: Osage sapwood bows
Post by: Mounter on June 10, 2018, 09:37:05 am

So I have a bunch of staves that have dryed for over two years. Most I was able to just pull the bark off leaving a pristine back. No checking at all. Seems like a a lot of extra work to chase a ring on them now. Guess I’m looking for pro’s an con’s either way.

Title: Re: Osage sapwood bows
Post by: Pat B on June 10, 2018, 10:24:17 am

A good bow can be built from osage sapwood but it would be a better bow with all heartwood.

Title: Re: Osage sapwood bows
Post by: George Tsoukalas on June 10, 2018, 05:57:49 pm

What Pat said...unless you don't have enough heartwood.
Jawge

Title: Re: Osage sapwood bows
Post by: ohma2 on June 11, 2018, 12:52:01 pm

I made 3 with sapwood back they all shot well and are all still shooting ,they have an appealing look with the two tone color to boot.

Title: Re: Osage sapwood bows
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on June 11, 2018, 02:05:50 pm

My best performing bow to date is a sapwood backed osage sapling. I left 3/16" worth, maybe 2 rings. The rest is heartwood. Great bow that I gifted to stix. Like yew, the contrast is gorgeous after a year or two.

Title: Re: Osage sapwood bows
Post by: Danzn Bar on June 11, 2018, 07:03:54 pm

Pearl.... the key word there was probably a small diameter second growth "sapling" stave. If it 's not a sapling stave , I would still take it down to a heartwood ring....if you have enough width in the stave. JMHO
DBar

Title: Re: Osage sapwood bows
Post by: George Tsoukalas on June 11, 2018, 07:23:50 pm

Sapwood becomes heartwood so the closer you get to the heartwood  the stronger the sapwood.
Jawge

Title: Re: Osage sapwood bows
Post by: Mounter on June 11, 2018, 11:27:01 pm

THx for the reply’s. I need to learn how to post pics again, since the photo bucket thing. I have two staves really calling to me right now. One way or another I’m making a hunting bow this year.  Trying to get back to mojam again this, it’s been too long and only 2hrs away

I have extra staves just in case😎