for the osage guys..do you think its possible to get a stiff handle bow out of a 58" piece of osage..i am looking for 50-55 pounds and i have a 25" draw..thanks john

I've never used osage but I can answer this one with a firm YES!

I have a stiff handled hicjory thats only 54" long and probably nearly 50# at 25".

For guys with short draw like us, you dont need a very long stave. I would try to keep the handle reasonably short though. The one on my hickory is only 4-5" long.

Not a problem.

thanks guys..i am looking at a 6"brace..and 1 1/2 at the fades..john

Get the limbs bending right up into the fades.
I've done quite a few 60"t/t(58"n/n) bows, both osage and other woods that pulled 55# to 60#@26"(I usually tiller to 28").

I'm no expert..but I'm pretty sure it could be done.
I'd be thinking about a shorter than normal handle in order to give you more working limb though.

I'm working on one now thats 58" ntn. I've got a 4" handle and 1.5" fades, but its only pulling 40# and the limbs have a natural reflex the entire length. It's close, but not quite 90 degree string angle - more like 75-80. I am by no means a self bow expert, but it can be done safely. Just watch your tiller and follow Pat's advise. He's the expert!

I wouldn't worry about it, If, you tiller it properly.  Pigger, the osage bow I have hunted with for the last five years is 58# @ 29" and 60" nock to nock (really 59 3/4").  She has done just fine, having taken over two dozen critters.  I have built several 58" bows that were fine out to 28" but didn't shot them much due to the finger punch and stacking at 29".