Main Discussion Area > Bows
Osage Board Bow
SanJoseClay:
Thanks for all the info, gents; now I’m really confused! No- I guess I’m just about to be more thoughtful. Three Rivers recommended a backing for their osage, which is supplied as a quartersawn board rather than a stave, hence the recommendation for backing. I can see that with my Old Man draw weight, I no doubt could get away with the unbacked board, but if there is more workshop work to be done, I will always go that route, as, much as I hate to admit it, it’s always more the process than product for me. The fun is in the workshop. ( As you might imagine, I’m a lousy archer!...yes, I have taken a couple of lessons!)
In fact, I’m actually leaning towards sawing out and floor tillering the the osage board, steam-bending it using a long plastic bag and the household steamer machine, then bending it over a simple jig into a deflex-reflex shape, then, when dry, gluing and clamping the 1/8” backing to it, still using the same jig.
If that all works, then I’ll add a power lam and the handle. If it doesn’t work, I’ll probably try and find the source of the problem and re-try the corrected process. If it does work, I’ll wait a decent interval and then go chase a ring!
Thanks for all the help.
Stubborn Old Clay in the Workshop
scp:
I almost always make my board bows as if they will be backed by bamboo strips. That way I get to make 20 pound bows while I have the option of turning them into 40 to 50 pounders If I want. Nowadays, I prefer to shoot 25 to 35 pounders indoors.
bradsmith2010:
good advise is seldom taken ;D,, Voltaire,, I think,,
if your having fun steaming and backing ok,, but the stave will have so much less to go wrong or fail,,,and osage makes a great self bow,, my favorite,,,, Less is more,,
so I stand by my suggestion to use the stave,,
I will add,, if you like to make things more complicated,, bows are great for that, you can make it as
complicated as you need to feel a sense of accomplishment
SanJoseClay:
I totally agree with you Brad, both about Voltaire and perhaps needless complexity. I DO have an Osage stave in addition to the Osage board, and if I ever complete Bow 3, I will go on to chasing a ring in a self bow. Not ready to do that yet.
You sound like both a excellent bowyer and a pretty good philosopher- at least you've got me nailed!
bradsmith2010:
enjoy the process,, (-S
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