Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: bluegill on October 01, 2007, 12:24:26 am

Title: Osage Billets
Post by: bluegill on October 01, 2007, 12:24:26 am

I cut some osage today that will make some good billets and I have a couple of questions about them. Do they dry any faster than a stave of the same thickness? Are there any different steps I should take while constructing a bow from them? I was planning on cutting them about 3 feet long and reducing the length when I splice them together. Any other input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: Osage Billets
Post by: Stickhead on October 01, 2007, 09:58:45 am

There's a nice osage billet build-along on the how-to site:

http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,81.0.html

Title: Re: Osage Billets
Post by: Justin Snyder on October 01, 2007, 01:26:59 pm

Cut them as long as you can.  You can never forsee all the problems that may arise, and you might need to cut something out that would have been in the part you are planning to leave.  I think the only way to speed up drying is to thin them.  You will be sealing the ends and the back, so all drying will take place from the sides and belly.  Justin

Title: Re: Osage Billets
Post by: mullet on October 01, 2007, 09:22:42 pm

  If you thin them,clamp them down or alot of times they will twist.