I'll start this off with a few pics of the stave I chose for my trade bow. As you can see it is osage and with a few challenges. Almost 90deg of twist from end to end, a few knots and it's been so long since I've done this I can't find my good draw knife. This stave does have relatively good rings and is well seasoned.
 Here are the pics...

Looks like a challenging piece there Pat. Go easy on that back of your's !

John, it is a challenging piece but very doable. If it weren't for pieces like this I would have never had osage to play with. There is no such thing as bad osage!!!
My back is doing a lot better. At least now I can hold up a draw knife. A few weeks ago that would have been a real challenge.

That looks like a piece of cake for you, I know it will be something the person getting it will be very proud of.

Ok heres what I am going to start with I sure hope it comes out well.  

Honduran cocobolo with a cherry bloodwood and Paduk riser.  

shawn, i assume it will have clear glass. either way that joker aught to be sweet. can't wait to see some progress.

pat, it looks like your gonna have lots of fun.

Looking goo fellers

Looks like a good start I just came from the garage looking at what I had and I think I might cut another tree this weekend. I'd like to build a nice character bow. Got some good ones for it but I'm Looking for that special one. I might even make it a TD.

Shawn those veneers are awesome!  Now that fine riser block sure does look like Sappelle, Padauk and Purpleheart though..ha ha

This is going to be an Osage self bow. It has very thin rings so I'm going to back it with rawhide. Here is the first pics.

Iam getting started . Going to use Brazilan Cherry (Jatoba) for main lamination , raw boo for backing, and trying to decide what to use for riser and power stripe.

I got it down to one ring but I don't trust it so I will put raw hide on it.

Ranger, I normally put a drop of super glue on any knots on the back just for insurance and rawhide backing when I have issues with the stave. Neither will affect the bow's performance but will help boost your confidence.
 Looks like you did a good job around the knots.

here is the stave I have picked out. There are a few tough pin clusters but I'm not worried. Rings are solid and about 3/16 thick. I was saving this piece for ojam for a bow for myself, but I think it would be a better gift.

this is a look down the length. I will work it rough it out next week after I split all the stuff I get this weekend. I will bring it to ojam if anyone else is going.

I have mine started as well, can't find the camera right now but promise to get pic's up asap.
Bamboo Backed Jatoba with an Osage overlay on the belly to beef the handle up a little.
 

Shoot, i couldn't be out done (or out started) by you boys.  I glued up a couple of simple risers.  zebra/purpleheart. first time using purpleheart.  i always stayed away from it becuase everyone said it dulls your tools.  we'll see.  Hope no one at PA sees me using fiberglass (hee hee).  Patb don't tell on me!!

Looking good sulphur.

I'll try and get some pics up on Monday.
I'm working on a White Ash stave.

Fun to see the bows starting to take shape !

Sulphur, you'r secrets safe !

John K

Looking awsome guys,
I think i finally got time to dig out a stave. I got one or two worked down to growth ring but I wanna see if I can dig up a real special one.

If I get it chased down today I'll post some pics.

Everyones is looking great so far. Gonna be some sweet bows built for sure. Thanks to everyone who signed up and is participating.
Kris

Alright I pick one out and took it down to a ring. Pretty good looking stave and plum full of pin knots. Ought to make a good one. Got some natural reflex in it and a little twist but the twist can be heated out of it.
Heres a few pics