Osage questions

Scott E · January 23, 2008, 06:03:00 PM

I picked up a couple pieces of osage and seeing is how I have never made a bow from osage I have alot of questions. One pice is a decrowned stave that is 73 in long and 1 3/4 x 1 3/4 its ends are sealed how long should I dry it for? Put it in a drying box like bamboo? can I cut it into 1/2x1 3/4 and then let it dry? Any tips you have would be much appreciated.-Scott
Also I'm making bbo r/d bows.

Scott E · January 23, 2008, 06:06:00 PM

Also I might have some left over pieces to make arrow shafts out of. how is osage as an arrow wood?-Scott

Charlie Lamb · January 24, 2008, 09:47:00 AM

Scott... It will dry faster the more it is reduced. I suggest ripping it down the center gettting two pieces that are closer to 3/4". You're going to have to put a stiffener piece on the grip and the extra thickness of the board will help that situation. Trust me on this!

After ripping it I'd seal the whole thing with Shellac to prevent checking. Then it can go in a hot box.

If you have the means to weigh the boards, that will be your best means of telling when they are ready.

Weight the pieces before they go in the hot box and every week or two after that. When they stop losing weight they will be ready to work.

Might also add that clamping the boards to a form (caul) will help prevent twisting and other headaches down the road.

mmgrode · January 24, 2008, 10:04:00 AM

Scott E · January 24, 2008, 02:37:00 PM

Thanks for the tips.-May be I'll work up the energy to do a build along.-Scott

John Scifres · January 24, 2008, 02:55:00 PM

Osage makes nice heavy arows but they aren't easy.

KILLER B · January 29, 2008, 09:28:00 PM

You guys keep saying to shelack the whole stave i thought some elmers glue all over the back and the ends and leave the belly exposed was they way to go? i have two staves drying like that right now should i clean off the elmers and shelack them??? There's two many ways to do things

Charlie Lamb · January 29, 2008, 10:17:00 PM

KillerB... you're fine. Shellac is just a little handier most times, but the Elmers will seal it all just fine... that's a lotta dang glue!

George Tsoukalas · January 30, 2008, 09:07:00 AM

Ya don't seal the belly. Just the back and ends. Jawge

KILLER B · January 30, 2008, 10:01:00 PM

Thanks i was starting to secomd guess myself. That yellow wood aint easy to come by and i don't want to ruin what i have.

Big'n · January 31, 2008, 09:17:00 AM

Drive north about six hours, I've got all the hedge ur uh Osage you'll ever want, KILLER B......DAVE

Tom Leemans · January 31, 2008, 12:25:00 PM

Osage makes great arrows for shooting around corners!