Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: banderson965 on January 07, 2018, 09:09:55 pm

Title: Osage shortbow question
Post by: banderson965 on January 07, 2018, 09:09:55 pm
I have some Osage slats that are 1” x 3/4” x 64” and am wondering what could be done with them besides a kids bow? I have hickory to use as a backing. Thank you for your help
Title: Re: Osage shortbow question
Post by: Pat B on January 07, 2018, 10:29:27 pm
Hickory backing on an ELB style bow. You could probably get 50#+ with it, maybe more.
Title: Re: Osage shortbow question
Post by: banderson965 on January 07, 2018, 10:45:33 pm
Thanks Pat. Never attempted an ELB but I may give it a shot
Title: Re: Osage shortbow question
Post by: lebhuntfish on January 07, 2018, 11:04:57 pm
Depending on the design of your bow and how well vursed in your tillering skills you could easly make an adult bow.  Just glue on a handle and tiller it out.  It takes very little Osage to make an adult bow.  I have one that is 52lbs 62in long an inch wide or less in spots and definitely under 3/4 thick.  I hunt with it and killed a very nice buck with it this year. 

You could always put a layer of sinew on the back for protection or some thin rawhide. 

Patrick
Title: Re: Osage shortbow question
Post by: sleek on January 08, 2018, 08:22:24 am
Yeah, i like that bow you have Pat ;)

That osage you have is a good candidate for a bamboo back. If you would rather not mess with it, i may be interested in working a deal with you for it?
Title: Re: Osage shortbow question
Post by: banderson965 on January 08, 2018, 10:36:26 am
What you got Pat ? I could spare a couple of pieces. I was wanting some style help. I am not well versed in bowmaking but have some successful hybrid pyramids and working on some reflex/deflex hickory backed ipe. I have progressively gotten shorter and shorter as I want to hunt from blinds and stands. I failed to mention I have some bamboo as well for backing material.
Title: Re: Osage shortbow question
Post by: banderson965 on January 08, 2018, 10:39:15 am
I am sorry my last post  was directed at Sleek
Title: Re: Osage shortbow question
Post by: Pat B on January 08, 2018, 11:38:50 am
Hickory is so much easier as a backing. You still get good performance and better durability IMO although it's not as sexy.  :-\
Title: Re: Osage shortbow question
Post by: lebhuntfish on January 08, 2018, 12:55:25 pm
Well hickory and bamboo both draw moisture so either would be good.  I personally prefer bamboo.

I would do the reflex deflex like your ipe. But thats my favorite design.  As far as that goes just about any design would probably work.

Patrick