60 yr old Osage help!

[ftanner]

As for the basement...inside, finished...so a constant temp and humidity year round. Here are both sides of the bark. The first is the one posted earlier. Also, where can I get my hands on some more Osage to practice? I live in nc and I've never seen it growing. This is from Illinois. Thanks!

[rps3]

It looks to me as if that stave was sawn in half instead of split. There may be a good bit of grain run off. Peel the bark and sapwood off and have a look, you might have enough wood left to foolow the grain as you lay out your bow.

[Josh B]

Its hard to make it out on my phone screen, but it doesn't look that bad full length.  I'm sure someone using a computer will chime in on the twist.  Either way, definitely get some experience under your belt before tackling that special piece.  As far as getting some Osage, try the trading post on this forum.  If you go the evilbay route, I have had great luck with le-enterprise out of tecumseh NE.  Josh

[Bryce]

Its hard to make it out on my phone screen, but it doesn't look that bad full length.  I'm sure someone using a computer will chime in on the twist.  Either way, definitely get some experience under your belt before tackling that special piece.

+1
That's a tricky stave for even an experienced bowyer.

[JW_Halverson]

+1 on the referral to LE Enterprises off evilbay.  Lotsa folks on here have had very good experiences with his wood.  I have never heard of anyone having a bad transaction with the guy.  And as you know, one p.o.'d customer makes a hundred times more noise than the average guy makes about a good transaction. 

Start with a stave that has no deep emotional connection, heck, go ahead and wreck it to get it out of your system if that's what it takes.  Make a few, break a few, then tackle this stave. 

[blackhawk]

If your close to brevard,nc go raid pats stash   ....or better yet go pay him a daylight visit and learn the ways of the bow from a ole school seasoned veteran

[Eric Krewson]

Only one way to tell what the MC really is, I have checked a bunch of stuff that was supposed to be dry and wasn't. I have the pin-less type of moisture meter, very accurate.

[Danzn Bar]

I agree with Pat, Blackhawk, OO, and the rest that said try another stave and save it, after the first you'll be addicted ready to start another, you'll know when your ready to start the perfect stave.     I started on a cool stave to start with and ended up with nothing but fire wood.  Take it easy, and get your feet wet......... I wish I had.  But there's always another perfect stave.  I bet the very best bowers have never found that perfect stave.  We're all still looking for it.
Just my experience... for what it's worth.
DBar

[Buckeye Guy]

That is a tough looking one, but there is a good shot at a selfbow in the side opposite the big knot !
Practice up first !
Have fun

[chamookman]

That is a great piece of wood + the Karma that comes with it. Do Yourself a favor and put it away (don't worry about moisture content - it's well seasoned already I'd say  ). Get some other Osage, some basic tools make a couple three bows and gain some OSAGE experience, and when You feel confident enough THEN give it whirl. There's at least bows hiding inside that piece - best of luck, Bob.

[crooketarrow]

   Since it's from your granddad to me it me a special peice of wood. You hav'nt bult many bows. HolD off to get a little exsperance, YOU'LL END UP WITH A TYPE OF BOW YOU REALLY LIKE. It's not going anywhere and you beglad you held off.

[ftanner]

Not too far from Brevard...I'm new here...can someone fill me in on who Pat is? Thanks

[blackhawk]

Pat B is his handle name..send him a pm cus he hasn't seen this apparently yet..he's a moderator on here and a wealth of knowledge to learn from cus he's been doing this for many many moons...and a nice guy to boot who likes to help folks out....

@pat if ya see this...sorry for volunteering ya  

[beetlebailey1977]

I agree with PatB set it aside for the future and get some more experience.....thats what I would do......also I think there may be two bows in there.

[JeremiahVires]

If you ruin that beautiful piece of wood, I swear I will find you.