Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: wasanchez on April 11, 2012, 03:06:37 pm

Title: question about osage
Post by: wasanchez on April 11, 2012, 03:06:37 pm

Hey everybody,

I'm new to the forum and to bow building as well so I'm pretty green to all of this.  I built my first bow out of cedar about a month just to see if I could and now I'm hooked.  Today I took a limb from an osage about 3 inches across and sealed the ends.  I am planning on letting it dry until September or October so I can have it ready for bow season(hopefully).  My question is should I split it now or would it be better to wait until then to split it.  Also any tips for working this wood would be appreciated, I have read that it can be difficult for beginners. 

Thanks

Walt

Title: Re: question about osage
Post by: Bevan R. on April 11, 2012, 03:12:12 pm

If you are wanting to use the Osage to hunt with this year, I would suggest roughing out the stave as soon as you can, spray it with shelac then let it set under your bed for a couple of months. It should be dry enough then.

Title: Re: question about osage
Post by: Pat B on April 11, 2012, 03:17:44 pm

What Bevan said!  ;)

Title: Re: question about osage
Post by: gstoneberg on April 11, 2012, 03:25:11 pm

I agree too.  I think osage is a great wood for beginners.  Most of the time you'll use just the heartwood with osage, but a limb that narrow may or may not have enough heartwood for a bow done that way.  If there's not much heartwood, you might want to consider just carefully removing the bark and letting the outside be the bow back like you would with a white wood like hickory.  Osage does like to split so take Bevan's advice to seal it seriously.

Good luck,
George

Title: Re: question about osage
Post by: osage outlaw on April 11, 2012, 04:57:04 pm

If it is from a limb, it might start warping or twisting after you split it and rough it out.  Keep an eye on it.  You might have to strap it to a 2x4 or something to help keep it straight.

Title: Re: question about osage
Post by: wasanchez on April 11, 2012, 04:59:20 pm

Thanks I was planning on that because has a slight bend in it.  I'll rough it out this weekend.  Thanks for help.

Walt

Title: Re: question about osage
Post by: wasanchez on April 14, 2012, 07:16:18 pm

Also anyone know  where I can get a good, reasonably priced draw knife? 

Title: Re: question about osage
Post by: DarkSoul on April 14, 2012, 07:26:14 pm

What part of the world do you live?

Title: Re: question about osage
Post by: wasanchez on April 14, 2012, 07:28:35 pm

Moulton, Texas

Title: Re: question about osage
Post by: gstoneberg on April 14, 2012, 09:03:25 pm

Nice, down in real good hog country.  Love to see another Texan on the forum.  I got both my draw knives from flea markets.

George

Title: Re: question about osage
Post by: Pat B on April 14, 2012, 09:44:36 pm

Walt, ask on the "Trading Post". It won't cost you a penny there but you will probably have to trade something for it.  ;)

Title: Re: question about osage
Post by: osage outlaw on April 14, 2012, 09:45:22 pm

Also check antique stores.  Look for solid handles and no pitting on the blade.