Osage knot questions

[Fox]

Getting back in the saddle again after not making bows for a couple years, and wondering about some knots. Making this one for my girlfriend and don't want it to blow up on her. Did I leave enough material on these funny knots or should I go down another ring and leave a little extra? Thank you!

Untitled by Livvydog, on Flickr
Untitled by Livvydog, on Flickr

Untitled by Livvydog, on Flickr

[Eric Krewson]

I always chase a grain over the knots which leaves a small hump on the back of the limb, you have your limbs a bit flat over the knots.

I don't think you will have any problem with them if you soak them with all of the superglue that they will hold but can't say for sure because I have never worked knots and left them like that.

I made a scraper out of a concrete nail to carefully work pin knot clusters on the backs of limbs from every direction. Most of the time I can work them with round end cabinet scraper but some take a little extra care to be sure I don't violate the grain that runs over the knots.

Pin knot scraper;

[mmattockx]

Getting back in the saddle again after not making bows for a couple years, and wondering about some knots. Making this one for my girlfriend and don't want it to blow up on her. Did I leave enough material on these funny knots or should I go down another ring and leave a little extra? Thank you!

Those are on the back, I assume? The top one I would put a patch over (sinew, rawhide or other material just to prevent a splinter lifting) after digging out any loose wood and filling it with CA glue, as Eric suggests. The other one I would just hit with thin CA and carry on.

I made a scraper out of a concrete nail to carefully work pin knot clusters on the backs of limbs from every direction.

You have the coolest tool selection, Eric.


Mark

[Pat B]

If the back ring wasn't violated just add super glue and keep on keeping on.  If it's on the belly it shouldn't be a problem. Again, fill with super glue.

[Fox]

Okay I went another ring down and I think these maybe look a bit less scary? what do we think

Untitled by Livvydog, on Flickr
Untitled by Livvydog, on Untitled by Livvydog, on Flickr

[Hamish]

Doesn't look too bad. You have left a little swelling around them to help compensate for the knots.
Another option in your arsenal is to leave a little "wart" of wood on the belly side around the knot. Its not often used because it makes tillering a little more complicated, but it does work well, especially against stopping chrysals.

Curious to know how wide the limb is, and how powerful you want the bow?

[Fox]

Okay thanks hamish that’s a good idea too. Dimensions are 60” ttt 1 3/8” wide at fades tapering to 1 1/4” a little past mid limb. Aiming for 40# at 26” think that’ll work out alright? I usually would leave it wider but this is what I had to work with for this stave