How close to center shot can you make an osage self bow without it breaking in half?
Most of my osage bows I keep the handle at 3/4 inches wide. On a lighter weight bow like 45 and under, you could go 5/8th. However you could go a tad narrower if you make the handle deeper.
If the handle is offset you can have a fully center shot selfbow but why bother. With properly spined arrows a selfbow can shoot as well as any bow.
I agree with Pat and Roy. Having said that, a selfbow that was designed different can be centershot. You would need to leave extra wood in the handle section and also make your handle more like a fiberglass bow by making it longer. That makes you bow longer to keep your working limb length the same. I'd say tryiit and let us see some pics after its done.
Myself and a good friend have both built true center shot selfbows by leaving the depth at the shelf area when you cut it in. I wouldnt go less than 1 11/16 deep if you want to cut in to center. Having said that, I wouldnt mess with it. Its not enough of a difference to make it worthwhile. But fun to say you did it once.
Here's an example
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php?topic=32310.0
I guess it was ok:)