layout question

rogerbw · February 22, 2009, 04:35:00 PM

Hi all.

I'm making my first Bow(Osage), and right now I'm just about finished following the growth ring down the back.

There are 12 or 13 thorns. Some will be cut off. However there is a spot about eight inches from one of the tips that has five thorns running straight across.

Do I work around these and leave it wide, continuing with the original line after I am past the thorns?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Eric Krewson · February 22, 2009, 09:56:00 PM

Do you mean pins?

Pat B · February 22, 2009, 11:19:00 PM

Can you post pics? That would make it easier to help you out.

rogerbw · February 23, 2009, 09:38:00 AM

Yes, I mean pins.

I tried posting a picture from photobucket, but it wouldn't take.

Here's a link to the photobucket page.
http://s648.photobucket.com/albums/uu209/rogerbw/

Pat B · February 23, 2009, 10:01:00 AM

Those pins should be no problem as long as the ring is as sound as it looks. Leave a little extra "meat" around them and continue on with the way you were going. If the pins are sticking above the back ring you can cut them flush but don't mess with the wood around them. It is where the strength is.

rogerbw · February 23, 2009, 11:11:00 AM

Sorry for the confusion. I decided to follow a growth ring before I cut the bow to shape. More work, I know, but I'm patient. That spot is 1 5/8 inches wide and 9 1/2 inches from the tip. If they weren't there, the finished limb would be much narrower at that point. When it's time to cut the limb, should I leave them all intact, or try to go between them somehow???

Pat B · February 23, 2009, 11:21:00 AM

I always find a back ring before cutting out the bow shape. That way you can see where to place the bow in the stave.
I would leave them wide there. You may be able to reduce the width a little at that point later but for now leave it alone.

rogerbw · February 23, 2009, 11:44:00 AM

Awesome. Thanks Pat.

I will surely need more advice before I'm done. I'm quite surprised with all I've read, watched, and researched, how many questions I have that remain unanswered.

This forum could easily become my most reliable resource. Thanks again.

Roy Steele · February 23, 2009, 11:21:00 PM

I see no problem the those either.

George Tsoukalas · February 24, 2009, 04:10:00 AM

I think you did well. I may have left a little more on the width in that area but you seem to have done well. Jawge