How skinny is too skinny

[JW_Halverson]

After reading the posts of bows that were in the narrow range, as well as the comments of some people that have extensive experience with osage, I feel a bit more relaxed about this project.  In the past with the 30 or so osage bows I have built I have traditionally run between 1 3/8 and 1 1/2 inch wide at the fades and much shorter limbs with sinew backing.  I am flat sick to death of sinewing and I'm not all that sure it's worth the effort.  (how's that for a fire-starter statement???)   

Thanks for the boosts of confidence, folks.

[toomanyknots]

With nice 'sage I think 1.25 inches at the fades should be fine.

I think even with crappy osage, 1 1/2" at fades is ussually fine.

[rossfactor]

I agree.

Gabe

[iowabow]

Pm sent

[SLIMBOB]

JW.  I don't believe you are "riding the very edge of things" at those dimensions.  Quite the contrary, I would say you are solidly between the yellow lines.  If the wood is sound, 1.25" to 1.5" is what I typically shoot for, stiff handle and all, and I feel I over build my bows.

[George Tsoukalas]

Made a 50# osage bow from a sucker that was a little over an inch wide with sapwood and heartwood on the belly and sapwood on the back. I gave it away but i think it had 3 in of reflex after starting with 5 in. It bent in the handle. Good bow. Fast. Jawge