Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: whitewood on February 01, 2021, 01:30:06 pm

Title: rawhide backed osage
Post by: whitewood on February 01, 2021, 01:30:06 pm

I have an osage stave, all sapwood removed. Has anyone had any luck with osage bows that aren't reduced to single growth ring but backed with deer rawhide?

Thanks!
William

Title: Re: rawhide backed osage
Post by: Hamish on February 01, 2021, 02:31:08 pm

How badly violated is the stave's back? Photo's?

Title: Re: rawhide backed osage
Post by: Pat B on February 01, 2021, 02:59:05 pm

William, you are always better off with a good, clean back ring. If you are in doubt of that ring then rawhide can make it safer but it will not fix a bad, violated back.
 Pics!

Title: Re: rawhide backed osage
Post by: whitewood on February 03, 2021, 01:38:59 pm

Thanks for your replies. Back is completely violated. Sorry, I was having trouble posting pictures.

If I just treat it like a piece of lumber, will bamboo backing work?

Title: Re: rawhide backed osage
Post by: Pat B on February 03, 2021, 01:47:28 pm

A hard backing like boo or hickory will work but you will have to flatten the back to get a good, well matched glue joint.
 Why not chase one ring and keep it a selfbow?

Title: Re: rawhide backed osage
Post by: whitewood on February 03, 2021, 07:40:40 pm

Pat, I agree, selfbow and simplicity are usually better. In this case, the stave was a piece of wood I pulled out of my buddy's reject pile. Where I have taken it to now, really impossible to chase a ring and have much left. I do have a bamboo strip laying around. I'll try that and let you know! Thanks again!  :D

William