I just aquired some osage. The log is 6 inches accross and 70 inches long.
It is still green.
Giving that the timber is OK, what type of bow could you make out of this. Now this will be my first attempt.
I was thinking of a self bow but I am not sure what to do as yet.
Oh by the way my draw length is 30 inches could this also pose a problem.
Osage bow
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Re: Osage bow
Hi Tex,
Has the log been sealed to to slow down the drying process to minimise the possibility of splitting and checking? To speed up the drying process you can split the log into billets but make sure that all exposed surfaces are sealed.
You will have plenty of time to work out what to do with it while it is drying out.
Daryl.
Has the log been sealed to to slow down the drying process to minimise the possibility of splitting and checking? To speed up the drying process you can split the log into billets but make sure that all exposed surfaces are sealed.
You will have plenty of time to work out what to do with it while it is drying out.
Daryl.
"And you must not stick for a groat or twelvepence more than another man would give, if it be a good bow.
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
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danceswithdingoes
- Posts: 567
- Joined: Tue Apr 06, 2004 5:48 pm
- Location: Kyogle NSW
Re: Osage bow
paint the ends of the log and get a loan of Dean Torges "Hunting the Osage Bow" worth the read.
Re: Osage bow
I have painted the ends.
Is the log round enough at 6 inches.
Is the log round enough at 6 inches.
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danceswithdingoes
- Posts: 567
- Joined: Tue Apr 06, 2004 5:48 pm
- Location: Kyogle NSW
Re: Osage bow
The bark has a few small lumps in in it.
These are probably going to be small knots.
Should I remove the bark before I decide where to cut a stave from.
I would hate to cut the log and find if I made the cut an inch over I would have got a better stave.
Is it Ok to strip the bark befor it is dry.
And whould it be Ok to cut the staves out with a chainsaw.
Can I also start to make a bow with green timber. I would think the Osage Indians would have made them in the green state.
I there a minimum diameter for a log to be used as a bow.
These are probably going to be small knots.
Should I remove the bark before I decide where to cut a stave from.
I would hate to cut the log and find if I made the cut an inch over I would have got a better stave.
Is it Ok to strip the bark befor it is dry.
And whould it be Ok to cut the staves out with a chainsaw.
Can I also start to make a bow with green timber. I would think the Osage Indians would have made them in the green state.
I there a minimum diameter for a log to be used as a bow.
Re: Osage bow
Hi Mark,
You could strip the bark off, check for insect attack and if needed spray with insecticide and coat it a proprietary log sealer. If using sharp tools such as a draw knife try to avoid damaging the outer growth ring.
To speed up drying you could split the log.
If you a making a flat bow [the timber will dictate the style] the split billets would probably need to be in the vicinity of three inches across the back. Accurate chain sawing may reduce this width.
You could rough out the billet oversize to the approximate dimensions of the bow and seal it to assist in the drying process. A ‘green’ stave can be tied down over blocks to help induce reflex during the drying process.
I have seen ‘green’ bows go to the tiller stick and take on heaps of string follow.
The bigger the diameter of the log the flatter the back of the bow will be.
Generally, the rule of thumb for self bow lengths has been double the draw length plus 20%.
If you have problem knots ‘Z’ splicing at the handle enables you to utilize short billets as well as allowing you to build reflex into the limbs.
Daryl
You could strip the bark off, check for insect attack and if needed spray with insecticide and coat it a proprietary log sealer. If using sharp tools such as a draw knife try to avoid damaging the outer growth ring.
To speed up drying you could split the log.
If you a making a flat bow [the timber will dictate the style] the split billets would probably need to be in the vicinity of three inches across the back. Accurate chain sawing may reduce this width.
You could rough out the billet oversize to the approximate dimensions of the bow and seal it to assist in the drying process. A ‘green’ stave can be tied down over blocks to help induce reflex during the drying process.
I have seen ‘green’ bows go to the tiller stick and take on heaps of string follow.
The bigger the diameter of the log the flatter the back of the bow will be.
Generally, the rule of thumb for self bow lengths has been double the draw length plus 20%.
If you have problem knots ‘Z’ splicing at the handle enables you to utilize short billets as well as allowing you to build reflex into the limbs.
- Dia. 15 Z Splice.JPG (19.31 KiB) Viewed 5805 times
- Z plice.jpg (33.95 KiB) Viewed 5805 times
"And you must not stick for a groat or twelvepence more than another man would give, if it be a good bow.
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
Re: Osage bow
Dear Daryl
So if My draw lenght is 30 inches I would then need a stave at least 72 inches. This could be a problem. My log is 73 inches at the longest part. I had to cut it from the tree on a slight angle because of the way it grew from the tree. I would say when I get to making a bow I will have to lose some length maybe in inch or two to clean up the ends.
If howerver I can get my hands on some thicker but shorter logs, you say I can join them at the handle using the z join. I suppose I could also make a take down bow.
This sounds good There was some nice thick sections but I left them because of the lack of length. I will have a look next weekend.
I might just stick with making a takedown bow first off or a z join might be a better option and leave the longer one for later.
Thanks For your help
So if My draw lenght is 30 inches I would then need a stave at least 72 inches. This could be a problem. My log is 73 inches at the longest part. I had to cut it from the tree on a slight angle because of the way it grew from the tree. I would say when I get to making a bow I will have to lose some length maybe in inch or two to clean up the ends.
If howerver I can get my hands on some thicker but shorter logs, you say I can join them at the handle using the z join. I suppose I could also make a take down bow.
This sounds good There was some nice thick sections but I left them because of the lack of length. I will have a look next weekend.
I might just stick with making a takedown bow first off or a z join might be a better option and leave the longer one for later.
Thanks For your help
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Stickbow Hunter
- Supporter
- Posts: 11637
- Joined: Sat Jul 26, 2003 8:33 pm
- Location: Maryborough Queensland
Re: Osage bow
Hi Mark,
Although it may sound like a silly question what shooting style and anchor point did you use to determine your draw length?
Just recently I had a situation where an archer was adamant that he had a 28†draw but when he used my measuring arrow he found that his draw length was actually 26 ½ “.
When determining the length of your bow you need to keep the string angle to limb tip [at full draw] below 90 degrees to reduce the incidence of the bow stacking. I do not know what the optimal angle is.
With my self bows [red ash] I keep the last growth ring intact. Do not let a few knots or bumps in the stave worry you too much, leave them proud.
Daryl.
Although it may sound like a silly question what shooting style and anchor point did you use to determine your draw length?
Just recently I had a situation where an archer was adamant that he had a 28†draw but when he used my measuring arrow he found that his draw length was actually 26 ½ “.
When determining the length of your bow you need to keep the string angle to limb tip [at full draw] below 90 degrees to reduce the incidence of the bow stacking. I do not know what the optimal angle is.
With my self bows [red ash] I keep the last growth ring intact. Do not let a few knots or bumps in the stave worry you too much, leave them proud.
- DCP_0016.JPG (6.7 KiB) Viewed 5713 times
- Red Ash Spliced Bow.JPG (38.74 KiB) Viewed 5716 times
"And you must not stick for a groat or twelvepence more than another man would give, if it be a good bow.
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
Re: Osage bow
if you ever get to meet tex you will see that he has a 30 inch draw,he is as tall as a building and has arms like a gorilla or was that a head like a gorilla i can never remember
whack'em,stack'em,chill'em and grill'em
Re: Osage bow
Jamie you cracked me up.
I was reading Daryl's message and just glansed down to yours.
I am P ing myself as I write this.
I think it's more like your common spider monkey if the national geographic books are correct.
How you going mate. Missed you at the meeting the other night. Hope all is good.
Reg Mark
I was reading Daryl's message and just glansed down to yours.
I am P ing myself as I write this.
I think it's more like your common spider monkey if the national geographic books are correct.
How you going mate. Missed you at the meeting the other night. Hope all is good.
Reg Mark
Re: Osage bow
Now that I have stopped laughing over Jamie's comment.
Well Daryl I am not shaw what style I shoot at but I am currently using a Ben Pearson recurve at 40 pounds, my arrows are 31 inches long and when I draw back I have in inch of arrow sitting over the rest. My arrow's feild tip sits flush with the back of the bow.
If I put the end of an arrow in the middle of my chest and extend both arms along the arrow as it points away from me I come up with 29 inches. AS Jamie said I have an unusual body construction, no that much different from some of our less fortunate primates. Just a bit skinnier. Actually a lot skinnier.
I like the look of your self bow. Lots of character.
Well Daryl I am not shaw what style I shoot at but I am currently using a Ben Pearson recurve at 40 pounds, my arrows are 31 inches long and when I draw back I have in inch of arrow sitting over the rest. My arrow's feild tip sits flush with the back of the bow.
If I put the end of an arrow in the middle of my chest and extend both arms along the arrow as it points away from me I come up with 29 inches. AS Jamie said I have an unusual body construction, no that much different from some of our less fortunate primates. Just a bit skinnier. Actually a lot skinnier.
I like the look of your self bow. Lots of character.
Re: Osage bow
wow i wish i had some osage, expencive to buy that stuff i just thought i would chuck in my 2 cents if it was up to me i would try for a flat self bow but as greybeard said the wood will determine the style used, and befor you said that the bow would have to be 72 inches why?? its a therory but i think that if you introduce enough reflex at ther early stages of the bow build on a bow that is going to be flexed to the point where it takes more than 2 inches of set there is no reason you cant build em small. i just got 30 inches out of a ash board which was 66 inches with a 5 inch static handle. you never know untill you try, then u still dont KNOW.
Im gonna make it bend and break-Fall Out Boy
Re: Osage bow
Ichiban how big a piece of osage would you like.
Re: Osage bow
Mark,
Go for the maximum length bow you can get out of the billet.
That general rule is a guide allowing for different timbers, bow styles and limb cross section. A rectangular cross section limb will bend easier than a deep 'D' cross section. The rectangular cross section should enable you to build a shorter bow.
Your expertise at the tiller board will make or break the bow.
Daryl.
Go for the maximum length bow you can get out of the billet.
That general rule is a guide allowing for different timbers, bow styles and limb cross section. A rectangular cross section limb will bend easier than a deep 'D' cross section. The rectangular cross section should enable you to build a shorter bow.
Your expertise at the tiller board will make or break the bow.
Daryl.
"And you must not stick for a groat or twelvepence more than another man would give, if it be a good bow.
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
Re: Osage bow
I have only ever seen a tiller boards in books and the internet.
So my expertise is zero I am afraid.
I can see how it works though and I understand the idea.
So my expertise is zero I am afraid.
I can see how it works though and I understand the idea.
Re: Osage bow
Mark,
I must be suffering from a bout of ‘old timers’ disease.
Checked volume one of the Bowyers’ Bible at lunch time and the first few chapters should answer all your questions. They cover topics such as cutting and seasoning wood, bow design and performance and the Osage flat bow.
Try to get hold of a copy [buy or borrow]as the information will make life a lot easier for you.
Daryl.
I must be suffering from a bout of ‘old timers’ disease.
Checked volume one of the Bowyers’ Bible at lunch time and the first few chapters should answer all your questions. They cover topics such as cutting and seasoning wood, bow design and performance and the Osage flat bow.
Try to get hold of a copy [buy or borrow]as the information will make life a lot easier for you.
Daryl.
"And you must not stick for a groat or twelvepence more than another man would give, if it be a good bow.
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
Re: Osage bow
Thanks Daryl you are a good man.
Re: Osage bow
Hope this inspires you. The smaller piece is to show you the colour is what you are after.
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- Osage 1.jpg (100.97 KiB) Viewed 5473 times
Last edited by TEX on Fri Sep 12, 2008 1:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Osage bow
Hi Mark,
That's a nice looking piece of Osage. It looks fairly knot free in the photo and you should be able to get a stave with a bit of natural reflex.
Was the bow saw for the cross cut and not the lengthwise cut?
It may be early days considering the drying time but please keep us posted on you project. I am certain you will enjoy every minute of the challenge.
Daryl.
That's a nice looking piece of Osage. It looks fairly knot free in the photo and you should be able to get a stave with a bit of natural reflex.
Was the bow saw for the cross cut and not the lengthwise cut?
It may be early days considering the drying time but please keep us posted on you project. I am certain you will enjoy every minute of the challenge.
Daryl.
"And you must not stick for a groat or twelvepence more than another man would give, if it be a good bow.
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
For a good bow twice paid for, is better than an ill bow once broken. [Ascham]
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” [Einstein]
I am old enough to make my own decisions....Just not young enough to remember what I decided!....
Re: Osage bow
No Daryl
I didn't use the bush saw for for any cutting. It was just there in the photo. I was cutting small pieces of fire wood earlier that day. I use the chainsaw for the cutting.
I didn't use the bush saw for for any cutting. It was just there in the photo. I was cutting small pieces of fire wood earlier that day. I use the chainsaw for the cutting.
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Stickbow Hunter
- Supporter
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- Joined: Sat Jul 26, 2003 8:33 pm
- Location: Maryborough Queensland
Re: Osage bow
Tex,
I noticed you still had the bark on the log. May I suggest you read the link I post in my earlier reply, if you haven't already as some very good advice says it is best to remove the bark and spray with insecticide.
Jeff
I noticed you still had the bark on the log. May I suggest you read the link I post in my earlier reply, if you haven't already as some very good advice says it is best to remove the bark and spray with insecticide.
Jeff
Re: Osage bow
No worries Jeff
Thanks
Thanks
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Chuditch
- Posts: 207
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- Location: From Newman, Edge of the Little Sandy Desert
- Contact:
Re: Osage bow
Thats a nice looking piece of wood. I have been wondering where one might find Osage in Australia and now I know there is some around.
Good luck with the project Tex.
Good luck with the project Tex.
DjidiDjidi, Nullark Gullart Nyarrt.
Re: Osage bow
The Bark is off and now I shall paint.
Chuditch what area do you live?
Chuditch what area do you live?
Re: Osage bow
This is it.
The naked log.
See the old knife to the left. Well that is my draw knife. Works a treat.
The naked log.
See the old knife to the left. Well that is my draw knife. Works a treat.
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- P9130918.JPG (61.6 KiB) Viewed 5287 times