Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: ccase39 on July 31, 2019, 02:32:32 am

Title: Tight rings on Osage
Post by: ccase39 on July 31, 2019, 02:32:32 am

I have a stave of Osage with very thin rings. 1/16 inch or so. Is it worth chasing rings or should I just back it with something like sinew or bamboo?

Title: Re: Tight rings on Osage
Post by: sleek on July 31, 2019, 02:38:17 am

Chase em if you got em. Sometime you cant hardly even see them, in those cases, ring violation is not critical, treat it like yew, and just make the back flat with no sharp gouges dips from tool markings. Essentially decrown it.

Title: Re: Tight rings on Osage
Post by: Pat B on July 31, 2019, 02:57:29 am

I love thin ringed osage. I think it makes a snappier bow. If you are concerned about ring violation back the bow with rawhide.

Title: Re: Tight rings on Osage
Post by: bownarra on July 31, 2019, 03:04:36 am

The thickness of the rings doesn't matter if you do a good job. Think about it you are trying to remove the ring above the one you want for your back. Regardless of how thick they are you should never touch the ring you want.
The way to do it is chase the ring above the one you want then simply use very gentle pressure to get to the next ring. Just go slow and be gentle on that last ring.
The osage I'm working on now has rings less than 1/32nd thick.

Title: Re: Tight rings on Osage
Post by: ccase39 on July 31, 2019, 04:44:38 am

Thanks so much guys!

Title: Re: Tight rings on Osage
Post by: SLIMBOB on July 31, 2019, 09:42:03 am

Love love love tight ringed Osage.  When the early wood ratio is good, you cant beat it!  No backer in my opinion.