How do you determine how close to center you should cut the shelf in on an Osage self bow?

I find the center of the bow tip to tip and measure up 1 1/4, some guys go a little more, some go a little less. It's your bow but I wouldn't cut in a shelf. I build a rest out of thick leather and glue it on. Cutting too far into the riser could weaken the bow and it could possibly break on you.

You don't have to cut it anywhere near center. Arrows can be spined to the bow regardless. I don't cut a shelf in. I build it up with leather and glue it on. My osage selfbows are approximately 1" wide at the arrow pass... so 1/2" from center. No issue whatsoever.

I don't cut shelves in. If you do you need to make sure the bow is not bending in the handle at all. Like Roy I use leather. Info on mysite. Jawge
http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/leatherhandle.html

Ill cut a shelf in on a rare occasion...heres a few of mine for reference...

http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php?topic=32310.0

http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,36840.0.html

http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php?topic=36133.0

I do much the same as black mockingbird shows in his first picture. I havent had a problem yet, except for the nasty looks poeple will give you for doing it.

Thanks for your help guys, jeff