Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Steve Milbocker on August 25, 2010, 11:48:56 am

Title: Osage boards
Post by: Steve Milbocker on August 25, 2010, 11:48:56 am

I have some osage logs a guy gave me. They have been cut for a long time and are very twisted. Do you think a  a guy could saw them into board staves then back them with something and be able to build a bow from them?

Title: Re: Osage boards
Post by: Stingray45 on August 25, 2010, 12:03:06 pm

If you can get them in board form you should be fine, wouldnt need to back them unless you wanted to. I have been trying to find a lumber yard here in NOVA with osage lumber for a while, its hard to come by. If you want them in board form and dont want to work with the stave you could always take it to a saw mill and have them rip it down for you. I will say you get the best looking character bows from those twisty logs. Theyre fun to work with.

Title: Re: Osage boards
Post by: Frode on August 25, 2010, 02:09:04 pm

Any chance of some pictures?  As a new convert to straightening, I couldn't help wondering if they couldn't be untwisted, if the grain was good.
Frode

Title: Re: Osage boards
Post by: Steve Milbocker on August 25, 2010, 04:44:07 pm

I'll try to post some pics in the next few days.

Title: Re: Osage boards
Post by: Pat B on August 25, 2010, 06:58:57 pm

If they are too twisty for staves they are probably too twisty for boards. You will have a lot of waste.   Pic will really help!

Title: Re: Osage boards
Post by: wundabred on August 26, 2010, 03:35:08 am

definitely mill it up, man.  Use hickory backing strips about 3/16 thick.  Use quarter sawn or rift sawn...the twist or swirly grain will give you some hassles but improve your skilz.