I'm getting ready to build a first bow. I plan it being an osage self-bow even possibly adding a backing. I know that this is not the best first material to build from but the wood just looks beautiful. I bought a already roughed out stave that's been taken down to a ring in the classifieds. It looks really nice.
I know that it is a long shot but are there any bowyers in the piedmont region willing to take a phone call or visit from me? I just want to soak up as much knowledge as I can so I don't ruin this beautiful stave.
To anyone else that visits this thread, If you know of any good build-along's or info please don't hesitate to share it.
Thanks
Osage is great wood for self bows. No need to back it either. If it's already down to a single ring alot of the work is done.
With a few questions from you and pics as you proceed we can help you through the process of building your selfbow. Osage is an excellent bow wood and a good beginner wood but most don't want to spend the bucks until they have a little experience. That's why they go to Home Depot or Lowe's for a red oak board.
What is your draw length? What draw weight are you shooting for. Any particular style bow or whatever the stave will allow?
Hey Pat
My draw length is 28" I'm shooting for a higher weight bow in the 70-80lb range.
I would prefer a longbow with a little bit of reflex/deflex.
I have hunting the osage bow bow in the mail :)
I have a few pictures from the seller as it hasn't come in yet. I'll post them up.
These are the sellers pictures, I'll get a few closeups when the stave comes in.
(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp317/timeneverfreezes/DSCN5221.jpg)
(http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp317/timeneverfreezes/DSCN5219.jpg)
Looks like a really nice osage bow blank to me and I have seen a bunch over the years.
My site may help you get started. Jawge
http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/
Patience, Patience, Patience!!! Just remember that everytime you start to work on it. And like Pat said, there are a lot of people 'round here that'll be willin' to help ya.
You've got a very good start at a heavy bow with that stave. Wait until you get Dean's book before you start. Read it from cover to cover first. If you are like me, I have to read Dean's stuff a few times for it to sink in. Then slowly re-read chapters 6, 7 and 8.
How do you plan on taking wood off? Do you have a scraper? If not a good thing to get would be a scraper and learn how to sharpen it. Reduce the stave slowly...I mean slowly.