Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Tommytinker on April 20, 2014, 08:27:18 am

Title: 50 inch Osage stave?
Post by: Tommytinker on April 20, 2014, 08:27:18 am

Hi all.

I've got a 50" Osage stave.
Specs:

50" long.  The rings are Tight, Medium and Wide.  The width on the back of the stave measures 1 13/16"   The height measures 2" on the sides.

My question is, what style and dimensions would be suited to such a short stave?
And what is the maximum draw length I could expect?

Should I think about splicing in some siyahs?

Thanks.

Title: Re: 50 inch Osage stave?
Post by: Wiley on April 20, 2014, 08:56:30 am

It's amazing how much bend you can squeeze out of a little osage stave with sinew.
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,32619.0.html

Also what is your level of experience? A short bow is much harder to tiller than a long one. Getting it to your draw length without sinew will probably be approaching the limits of the osage in the hands of a competent bowyer. Personally I'd set it aside and find a longer stave to work on because osage is some pretty expensive wood to practice short bows on.

Title: Re: 50 inch Osage stave?
Post by: Blaflair2 on April 20, 2014, 09:51:36 am

U could probly belly split it and have two bendy handles. Or two billets for a larger bow

Title: Re: 50 inch Osage stave?
Post by: osage outlaw on April 20, 2014, 10:27:29 am

Here is a 49.5" long bow I made a few years back.

https://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,33741.0.html

Title: Re: 50 inch Osage stave?
Post by: SLIMBOB on April 20, 2014, 12:55:59 pm

Bendy handle, keep the width close to what you have now.  Maybe narrow just a bit as you go.  24 inch draw or there abouts.  That's what I would do.

Title: Re: 50 inch Osage stave?
Post by: Pat B on April 20, 2014, 01:04:24 pm

I'd do like Wiley suggested and set this one aside until you get more experience. It is doable as Cliff showed but he's been building wood bows for a while now.

Title: Re: 50 inch Osage stave?
Post by: osage outlaw on April 20, 2014, 01:57:39 pm

Who is cliff?    ;D

Title: Re: 50 inch Osage stave?
Post by: Badger on April 20, 2014, 02:02:30 pm

   I have made stacks of osage recurves under 50" long, they really shine with sinew but do well without. I don't care for the real short straight bows as they stack too badly.

Title: Re: 50 inch Osage stave?
Post by: PatM on April 20, 2014, 02:12:30 pm

Yes, you should think about splicing in some siyahs or recurved ends. You can even just use straight levers like a Mollegebet.
 You will immediately have a bow that you will have no worries about stacking, shorter draw, increased risk of breakage etc.

Title: Re: 50 inch Osage stave?
Post by: adb on April 20, 2014, 03:11:19 pm

I'd definitely go bendy handle, sinew or rawhide backed, and flip the tips to reduce string angle and stacking at full draw. Tough build. Tiller would have to be spot on throughout. If you've only done a few bows, I'd maybe do some more tillering first, especially some shorter bows.

Title: Re: 50 inch Osage stave?
Post by: Pat B on April 20, 2014, 03:20:52 pm

You knew who I meant Clint!  ;)  I think I was confusing you with Jimmy Cliff!  ::)

Title: Re: 50 inch Osage stave?
Post by: adb on April 20, 2014, 03:24:16 pm

Oh, yah... one last thought... be happy with about 24"-25" of draw max.