I got bored today!
I had an osage stave on the drying rack that was too short for an adult, but long enough for a youth. Thought I'd work on it today. So, at around 8:00am I got started on it.
It was 51" long and the stave was taken just under a year ago, it was hand cut, split and sealed and has been on the rack since then. It had some good rings in the heart, but the first TEN RINGS were thin as paper. The tree must have gotten shaded about ten years ago and started growing slower.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Kens%20bow/CHASEBOW.jpg)
It was too deep for the vise, so I trimmed off the tip if the pie before I try to lock it in the vise to remove the bark and sapwood.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Kens%20bow/CHASEBOW1.jpg)
Finaly got to a good ring at the end of the stave. You can see how thin the first ten rings were. They came off easily with the draw knife.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Kens%20bow/CHASEBOW2.jpg)
Removed all the sapwood and bark. Then I chased the ring and it took about 45 min.
Only one big knot to worry about. But the knot was left raised and will not cause a problem.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/Kens%20bow/CHASEBOW5.jpg)
When I have the back down to one ring, I start drawing the pattern for the bow. Since it is a short stave (51") and I want at least a 23" draw, I am going for a 1" wide bendy handle bow with a "D" shape belly.
With the pattern drawn on the back, I use the draw knife to get it close to the lines.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/CHASEBOWcont.jpg)
Then I use a rasp to take it to the outline and flaten out the sides to mark for depth of the bow.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/CHASEBOWcont1.jpg)
Down to the lines. not much of a pattern, but it will be effective!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/CHASEBOWcont2.jpg)
It sure does have some natural reflex. but, with my tillering skills, thin rings, the wood not quite cured and the design itself, There will likely be some set to the bow by the end of the build.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/CHASEBOWcont3.jpg)
Nice job Joe!! You might inspire me to do another one!
I love watching these be built.<><
Okay then,,, now I cut in the string knocks.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/CHASEBOWcont4.jpg)
Make a string. Hand twisted 12 strands for safety sake. Remember it is for a youth,,, we want it safe!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/CHASEBOWcont5.jpg)
Floor tillered and then check it with the long string and then get it braced just about 2/3rds of where it should be.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/CHASEBOWcont6.jpg)
Tweak the tiller a bit more and then, get it to final brace.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/CHASEBOWcont7.jpg)
On and off the tiller tree many times and then, finaly,, full draw at 23". Not the best tiller, but that is what I got at 32 lbs of draw.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/CHASEBOWcont8.jpg)
Now for some frills and stealth...
First, a leather handle wrap sewn on and glued in place.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/CHASEBOWcont9.jpg)
A little musk rat magic from the Ferret!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/CHASEBOWcont10.jpg)
great build along
Ready for shoot'n by some fine young fella. It turned out to be; 51", 32# @ 23". It has no reflex after I finished with it, but it shoots a 28", 11/32 POC arrow straight and suprisingly fast.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/CHASEBOWcont11.jpg)
Here is the actual first shot at 15 yards.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/CHASEBOWfinal1.jpg)
I like the little bow and I bet some fine young fella is going to like it too.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/CHASEBOWcont12.jpg)
I got to shoot it some more..... To bad I can't take pictures on auto or without the blurrrr.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Osagetree/CHASEBOWfinal.jpg)
That might be sweat on the lens though,,,, boy it was hot this afternoon.
Hope you enjoyed this pictoral as much as I did. :wavey:
Very nicely done Joe.
nice looking bow, Good job :thumbsup:
Awesome... sumpin bout a woodbow. Great job!<><
great job! I'm sure some kid will love it.
YEH HA He's back! Great Job Joe!!! One of these days maybe Bentpole will shoot one of those babies {bigger version of course]
Someone is going to be very very happy. You do such a great job promoting traditional archery to our youth. You get a gold Osage star from me!! Thanks for sharing the build along! And doing what you do for the kids!
Brent
real good job. :thumbsup:
Great Job Joe,
Wonderful gesture also, keep the youth involved.
Check your PM,s
Danny
Osagetree -
Congrats on the youth bow. I made my daughter a couple (1 hickory and 1 black locust). 20# at 20-22" is a tough nut to crack. I ended up beefing the belly-side of the handle and they lasted longer. Just finished her first osage bow with 4 days to go before her 11th birthday.
Keep it up.
ttt
Nice work. Reminds me of the Hare and the Tortoise - You bein' the "raggit", of course - :eek: :archer:
Man that is a real work of art. I can't wait until my grandson Chase and I get some time to build one. Good work Joe!
Bern, what did ya call me? :saywhat: Is them fight'n words? :biglaugh:
How come you say that? Was it because I got'r done quickly?