Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: HighlandRanger on January 05, 2013, 07:04:57 pm

Title: My first Osage Orange
Post by: HighlandRanger on January 05, 2013, 07:04:57 pm

I just acquired a big chunk of fresh cut Osage Orange. About 8' long by 13" wide. How should I prepare it? I know I will need to split and quarter it. How long should it sit before I do that? It has been treated on each end to keep it from drying out.

Once it is split and quartered how long should it sit until I make staves and bows out of it?

Thanks

P.S. Currently working on my first red oak board bows now.

Title: Re: My first Osage Orange
Post by: Newindian on January 05, 2013, 07:11:07 pm

are you sure that's Osage? I don't see any heart/sap wood

Title: Re: My first Osage Orange
Post by: Pat B on January 05, 2013, 07:12:26 pm

I would study the log real good and split it in half at the best location. There seems to be some twist, some snakey wood and a crotch at the small end. Once it is split in half put both halves under cover or in your shop. Seal the ends if they aren't already sealed and let it season until you have a few bows under your belt. There should be some interesting staves in that log but there will probably be some less interesting.

Title: Re: My first Osage Orange
Post by: ionicmuffin on January 05, 2013, 07:28:23 pm

 >:( tell the osage to migrate up to the northwest please!  :P ::) oh well!

Title: Re: My first Osage Orange
Post by: HighlandRanger on January 05, 2013, 07:53:59 pm

Newindian - The ends have been painted with a sealer... that's why you can't see rings.

Pat B - Thanks for the info. :)