Osage dimensions???

[TimothyR]

Have this osage stave its 2 1/4" x 63" the knot is about 5" from the end...I think I can work around it.  I don't really want a bendy handle and my draw is 28" I can go 26" if need be. I would like get y'alls opinion on the dimensions.   I can go with a bendy handle but never made one. Please help.   Thanks in advance.   Timothy

[Pat B]

You can probably work around that knot. remove the rings around it so you can get a good view of the grain as it swirls around the knot.
 63" is plenty for a stiff handle bow drawing 28". Just take your time and don't rush the tiller or stress the bow unnecessarily as you tiller.

[TimothyR]

I forgot to say im going for 45-50# primitive.  Sinew backed with a gut string.  Don't know if you need to know that but there it is   thanks.

[Danzn Bar]

I agree with Pat,
You got enough at 63"  - 50# @ 28" and you can make the last 6" of the tip stiff.
DBar

[Pat B]

You could easily do a selfbow in the 45# to 50# with that stave so no need for the sinew unless you just wanted it.

[Will H]

Rings look pretty thick to me.

[TimothyR]

Thanks guys...I was thinkin sinew because the rings are kinda thin.

[Will H]

Definatley thick ringed stuff. But sinew back is cool if you are patient

[Danzn Bar]

Rings look ok to me too.......if you want to sinew.......recurve it if there are no knots.     
DBar

[SLIMBOB]

Rings look good to me. I prefer thin rings over thick. Get a good pristine ring run on the back and you won't need sinew. Add it if you want to but not as a patch for a suspect back, and that shouldn't be to hard with this one. 63" long.  1 3/8" to  1 1/2" at the fades to mid limb and taper it to little bitty tips. 4" handle 2" fades. That's what I would start with.  Good luck with it!

[lebhuntfish]

Shouldn't be a problem at all, I'm just finishing up a 60" Osage bow with sinew and reflex tips.  It has a stiff handle and I'm pulling it to 27" and it will do 28". Good luck and just follow that grain around that knot. Patrick

[TimothyR]

Great info thank you so much guys. I will post pics of my progress.

[TimothyR]

I worked this down to almost bow dimensions and it developed some fine cracks in one of the limbs. I'll try to post pics but I don't think you can see the cracks.  I don't think they go very deep but are kinda long.   Is it firewood or should I fill the cracks and back it?

[wizardgoat]

When was the wood cut? Always play it safe and shellac the back if its greenish. They look lime they're running with the grain, but personally id back with rawhide

[TimothyR]

The stave was cut in march.  I was thinking I could use deer sinew I dont have any rawhide.