What did you do today? (osage board pics added)

[lesken2011]

I finally got around to cutting some Crepe Myrtle staves.





I also finished tillering my HBI for my swap bow. I am about to build up the handle with super glue saturated leather. Can anyone tell me how long it generally takes to dry between layers?

[SA]

those look pretty straight, i want to try it out but its usually in someones yard as decor guess i could sneak  a piece  out  while no ones looking

[Fred Arnold]

I spent the last 2 days trying to claim some lawn and garden space around my humble abode. Not going to me much time for anything else over the next week I'd guess. The neighbors tractor and a freind from towns riding tiller did their part and now comes time for the hand tools and labor.

[bubby]

i useually glue the leather together and clamp, wait an hour or so and ruff shape it before i glue it to the bow, Bub

[Del the cat]

I wrote up what I did.
Here.
http://bowyersdiary.blogspot.co.uk/
Del

[lesken2011]

Thanks, guys.


Last night I also cut some HD bamboo garden stakes to arrow length, straightened them, and sanded off the nodes. I will dip them, today and put nails in for points on some and save a few for bone points. I haven't decided whether to use self nocks or put dowels in for standard nocks. What do you think?

[tattoo dave]

I say self nocks on that bamboo, it's a lot easier and quicker to make. Can't wait to see some crepe myrtle bow. I'd show ya all what I did yesterday, but it involves some stupid glass on top of a great piece of ipe. I had a moment of silence for that bow before adding the glass...made me sad, but I guess it's not my bow. That's what the dude wanted, and payed for, so that's what he got.

Tattoo Dave 

[lesken2011]

Yall are gonna laugh at this. But the Osage board I ordered came in Mon. It was really flat, but had a coat of paint or heavy varnish on it! I couldn't even see the grain, but I went ahead and accepted it....about 80 bucks for a 4/4, 7.5" wide, 8 1/2' long board. I took it by a mill and had the finish planed off, and guess what....I know the suspense is killing you. The grain looks like a tornado hit it....well it is really not that bad. I may be able to salvage one bow out of it. I'll post a pic later and have some questions from some of you guys about my options with, and without a backing.

[toomanyknots]

I broke my fifth hatchet trying to get the split started on some osage.

[lesken2011]

That sounds like some extra hard osage, 2many.


Here is the board. It is so long I took 3 pics. Do any of you see a bow or possibly some billets in there?


Pic 1 - bottom





Pic 2 - middle





Pic 3 - top

[lesken2011]

I knew the board was bad, but I thought one of you might tell me there was one part of the board that might make a slat. Not even if I back it with hickory? What about for core wood with a back and belly laminate? No hope??

[SA]

boo is pretty forgiving as backing, but what does the end grain look like ? could you chase a ring?  i've never done that with a board but suppose you could.

[Prarie Bowyer]

There are several bows there. 

Back them all with hickory or bamboo. 

You will be fine.

Or send it to me 

[lesken2011]

This board had the front, sides and ends finished with some dark stain/paint. I had the front and back planed to show the grain. I haven't been able to see the end or side grain, yet.


Thanks Prairie Bowyer, that gives me hope. I was hoping people like you and others who have made several board/type bows would chime in with their thoughts>

[toomanyknots]

"That sounds like some extra hard osage, 2many."

Either that or some extra cheapo hatchets, LOL.