Osage long bow

[alwayslookin]

Hey guys have a slight issue. I've been working down a stave I got from the sidewinder give away. I have it down to bow length and have tillered  it out to a little past brace on the long string.  When I try to pull it back it wants to twist in my hand at first then when the pressure builds it's seems to stop . The string isn't aligned in the middle of the handle it's on the very edge of the side. Also the stave has two inches of natural reflex.

[bubby]

Pics would help

[alwayslookin]

OK here's some pictures. The bow braced fine and doesn't turn when braced. As you can see the string is not aligned. Let me know what you all think. Thanks

[alwayslookin]

Edit it does twist when strung

[Pat B]

I think I'd clamp the stave on the far limb, about 12" out from the handle(see the slight bend there), heat it and bring the outer 2/3 of the limb back just past center, let it cool well and low brace it again to see what you have.

[bradsmith2010]

what Pat said,, and keep in mind,, when you get it brace a bit higher,, it may have a different string alignment,, so you could adjust when you get there,, sometimes orientating the handle toward the string will solve alot,, its a beautiful stave,, will make a nice bow,, most of the reflexed character staves are a bit fussy at first,, but calm down when tillered out a bit,,  i have a feeling the string will be more in line when it is braced a bit higher,,,,    the way you have it clamped is not really the way the bow will position itself in your hand,, hold it from the string and then look down the bow for alignment,, the bow hanging down will give you a different view,,

[Bryce]

Steam the handle, and adjust from there.

[alwayslookin]

OK guys thanks for the help. I will heat her up and see if I can get it closer. I noticed that when I did brace it high it changed a lot actually. At higher brace it didn't bend and the string did come more in line. Never worked a reflexed  stave or a character stave so I'm getting a double wammy  of learning.

[Parnell]

Hope it comes together.  I would take Pat's advice and line that string up.  Keep us posted.

[Sidewinder]

Harris you can do it buddy. Pats advise is sound. I think once you get it lined up it will be ok. Was there any prop twist in that one, I don't remember. Its looks like a bow is taking shape, thats for sure.  Danny

[alwayslookin]

Thanks danny. Ya there was a little bit but I already heated that out. I did notice about a foot from one end there is some twist too that might be contributing to the issue so I might have to straighten that spot out too. I'm learning a lot from this stave and I think it will be a beauty with a lot of character when I'm done. I just wanna make sure I get the twisting situated before I apply the backing because I'm guessing heating with a backing on isn't a good idea.

[Pat B]

I'd get the stave to first low brace first before doing any more adjustments so you can see how the string tracks and how the stave reacts being under tension. You may not have to worry about the slight twists.
 Why are you backing the bow? Unless the back is violated there is no reason to back it, especially with osage.

[alwayslookin]

Pat- the reason I'm backing it is because when I was chasing a ring there was one little pin knot that lifted a splinter around it and took a little flake of wood off with it. I just don't want it to break since it will be my first Osage and I don't know when I will get more or any other good staves so I want a shooter since I don't have a decent one .

[Parnell]

Yup, short string, asap.  Can you post a picture of where you think you violated the back?  I'm curious...

[alwayslookin]

Yup, short string, asap.  Can you post a picture of where you think you violated the back?  I'm curious...

sure thing steve. I will take one when I get home. I'd like to see what you think about it.