Last weekend I was able to make my first osage bow from a blank at the TBOF shoot in Ocala FL.  Mike McGuire from NC was there and worked with several of us to take a blank he had taken down to one ring on the back to a finished bow in two days.  I had a great time and learned a lot and have a beautiful brand new self bow to boot! She is a real shooter and I just about have the finsihing touches done (other than to add a leather handle).  Here is a pix of the bow and a 20 yd group.  Thanks again Mike - I had a great time.

With a teacher like Mike you can't go wrong. Congratulations on your new bow and your new addiction. I know there will be other bows in your future.

Real nice  

very nice, welcome to the addiction as pat said.

Outstanding! Very nice to see. Jawge

Nice job!

Looks great.

very nice!
Stan

I am done with the finish (8 light coats of tung oil) and ready to add a handle.  I am not sure if I am going to do a one piece leather handle or leather strip wrap.  Going to the local Tandy leather shop tomorrow and see what they have.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks for the nice comments.

That's a good lookin bow!

Great job!

good job!

It looks like it shoots as good as it looks!

i recently started using 4-5 oz leather with the rough side out that i steam to stiffen. gives the look of suede but the fuzzies add nice grip texture after being steamed. end product is a little darker than you start with but i like it.its also a good way to form the leather to the wood and whatever rest you use, just spritz a little water on it then run an iron over it for a few seconds, repeat until its as tight fitting and as rough as you like.

it ends up something like the feel of a rough leather work glove

Great job on the bow!As far as grip material,I have been using the adhesive backed leather from three rivers.NICE BOW