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Reddish purple inner growth ring on osage stave

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bassman211:
From a dead Osage tree I have managed to get 3 nice bend through the  handle bows. The stave I am working on right now has a reddish purple inner growth ring that runs the length of one limb. That is a first for me, and some thing is telling me it could be a real problem. What is it,and can I still get a bow out ?

Pat B:
No idea.Could be mineral deposits or some sort of fungi, I guess. Was this not in any other part of the tree? Any nails, horse shoes of other metal attached to or inside the tree?

bassman211:
 I have made 3 successful bend through the handle bows so far with the tree, because of chasing back cracks out of bows backs  I ended up with very just enough  handle, and didn't want to get into glue on grips. They shoot nice. This is the only one with the reddish purple inner growth ring. New to me , and that is why I asked the question. I have it floor tillered, and ready to go on a form. I am going to go with it if for nothing else just to see what happens.( safety glasses ,and  an  atv helmet ) (--) (A) Thanks Pat.

BowEd:
Congrats....Those are extra work.No cut off end piece to investigate the ring farther?

bassman211:
Bow Ed, I have a cut off piece in the basement. I 'll take a look at it. The wood feels hard enough. It's not punky. A friend gave me the dead logs, so I wanted to make him a bow, and the handle is still thick enough for a cut shelf which he likes. He wants 45lb at 26 inch draw 62 long.. I just thought you guys had run into to this at some time with Osage, and could give me some advice. I have built a dozen, or so Osage self bows over the years,  and that many more that I sinew backed, but have never seen a reddish purple growth ring like this one. Thanks.

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