F-Manny,

I've never heard that, you could be correct. I've done it before to straighten limbs with no ill effects that were noticable to me.

It would be interesting to find what others say about this. Like I said unusual tactics I may use,,,,

Alright! I'm liking the flipped tips. My guess is you'll gain at least 5 pounds, but you might lost a bit of it due to re-tillering and more set from the added stress. I think midlimb on both bows is stiff, and that's only going to get worse with the different string angle and more stress. Can you sinew this one and while that's curing start on another one? If you add a bunch of sinew evenly (easier said than done I know) I think you might be able to pull it off. And if all goes right, the bow you're working on while that cures might turn out too! You would have 2 bows!

If I could suggest one thing in your tillering I would say SLOW DOWN. It's sounding like you're rushing it and then ending up with slightly off tiller and not enough weight to fix it. Believe me, I know how hard it is. I missed weight on about 5 bows in a row because I was rushing. It's so annoying  :mad:  hahaha, I know how you feel.

Keep at it! We're with you all the way

I ahve built two bows so I am no expert, but I think I would agreee abput the rushing. But I wasnt following my own advise when I built my second one. I was pulling my hair out trying to go slow and finally snapped and went full speed, unfortunatley my bow snapped too. LOL

Your probably trying to go fast too because of the build a long, but take your time even though we will be hounding you for more pics. LOL

Osage, I think your real close on that bow. Don't get caught up on makin a perfect bow, string follow is not a totally bad thing  and 46 lbs is plenty to take game. (unless you need heavier to match the arrows you've already made). I'm no expert but I think the outer third on both limbs need to bend a little more and near handle is bending PLENTY.
I'm really enjoying your efforts....Terry

I feel I may need to defend my abilities a bit at this point due to all the mishaps in this thread. See, I have made three bows that have taken deer and another 20 some that are at least functional.

The last two pictures are of a friends son to whom I had given a snakey black locust selfbow and 1/2 dozen of my rivercane arrows. If you look closely at the rack you can see what is left of the arrow. His first deer, not to shaby!






I hope this post does not jinx me  

I have complete and total faith. I remember seeing some pictures of bows you have made. Very nice work. Bad stuff happens to everyone. Don't let us rush you, you're doing us a favor not the other way around  

Thanks Luke!

Very interesting, buildalongs are always great to watch. Bue--.

No insult intended, I am a newby anyway I dont know why I even said anything. Sorry. LOL

Great Build-along OT!!!

Thank You!!!

         

I'm right there with you. No need to defend your abilities. Many thanks for the realistic build along - complete with setbacks and experiment. I bet the shortened bow with tips flipped will add at least 5# of draw and should be low stack with the tips turned to keep down string angle.

Brad of Littletree bows uses boiling for his extreme recurves on dried wood. Torges recomends steam for green staves and dry for aged wood. I have mostly used dry heat but believe steam is fine for any work with osage.

Keep at it and keep sharing your journey.

Excellent!!!!  I'm loving this.  A realistic journey that looks like something I would do.  I've got one (successful) board bow and one self bow (under weight and whip tillered) under my belt, and I can definitely relate to what you are doing.

Good info for a rookie like me.

osagetree - the trials and tribulations of the bowyer with a camera, a computer and the fortitude to show both the sucesses and the whoops. Been thoroughly enjoying this thread. thanks.

ttt
this is too good to not finish

Don't worry Billy,,, I aint quit'n till I'm drag'n meat!
I'm just waiting to string up the bow to make sure it is good and dry after boiling and bending in the recurves.
I'm going to Flint Ridge tomorrow, but I'll try and get on it again on Sunday. Flint Ridge is a big rock knapp'n event, I've never been, so I'm going to see what its all about tomorrow. A couple other guys from the Tradgand are going as well. I hope to meet them.
Check back soon and thanks for the TTT!

Well, here is a switch,,, something I intended to do, I did, and it worked out fine.

I put the recurved osage on the tiller tree this morning, but first me and the new shop partner the wife and I picked up on the way home from the Flint ridge Knapp-in event yesterday. had to see how the string would track fron tip to tip.
Not to good a picture, but I could tell it was close.
 

After a little work on the long string again, I put the short string back on it and got it to brace.
 

Looking good OT. Nice pup too.

They'll both be hunting before you know it.  Good job, and a great buildalong too.


David

When I got the bow to full draw, the tiller may not be perfect, but I can live with it. The good news is at 28" of draw the weight is at 54lbs    :D  
 

Gritting my teeth in fear at 28", but it holds fine.
 

After the first shot at 12 yrds, the bow seemed to have some authority. I know this bow is capable of hunting whitetails. And after a few more shots, I feel like with a little practice I could be ready to hunt at a range of 10 to 20 yrds.
 

After almost two dozen shots, here is the profile.
 

How long till deer season there in OH? A little finish and you are good to go. What else goes with this set of homemade gear? Lets see a picture of the collection so far.