Trad Gang

Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Don Drake on September 29, 2010, 01:53:00 PM

Title: May First Osage Selfbow
Post by: Don Drake on September 29, 2010, 01:53:00 PM
I just finished my first Osage Orange selfbow.  I got two staves off of (a popular auction site) for about $25 each including shipping.  I used the worst stave first so I could learn on it without being afraid of messing up too badly.  (I still need to put a finish on it and I believe I have found a source for some bear grease.)

I have shot about 250 arrows with it (carbonite, I haven't tried making my own arrows yet) and it does have some string follow.  Could be because the wood was still too green or maybe because I have been holding my draw too long before releasing.  Its weighs 50# at a 26" draw, which is right at my limit.  

Should I worry about the string follow or just let it go?

Is the string follow likely to increase?

Could I heat the bow limbs near the handle and then bend it back straight or should I just leave it alone?
 
  (http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~drakerobinson/images/Photos/DrakeImages/OthFotos/Bow2.jpg)

  (http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~drakerobinson/images/Photos/DrakeImages/OthFotos/Bow3.jpg)

  (http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~drakerobinson/images/Photos/DrakeImages/OthFotos/Bow4.jpg)

  (http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~drakerobinson/images/Photos/DrakeImages/OthFotos/Bow5.jpg)
Title: Re: May First Osage Selfbow
Post by: ranger 3 on September 29, 2010, 01:58:00 PM
You need to re size your pics. so you can see them, they are way to big
Title: Re: May First Osage Selfbow
Post by: George Tsoukalas on September 29, 2010, 02:40:00 PM
You really can't, for the most part, decrease set. Congratulations on your bow. Jawge
Title: Re: May First Osage Selfbow
Post by: Chris Grimbowyer on September 29, 2010, 03:40:00 PM
That is very nice for your first osage bow
Title: Re: May First Osage Selfbow
Post by: DVSHUNTER on September 30, 2010, 06:51:00 PM
I wish I could see the pic, but congratulations on your first osage bow. The set is there. You can heat it up, but it will just come back as soon as you pull it.