All Osage laminated longbow

[flint kemper]

Anyone own an all Osage bow one piece deflex/reflex? I was wanting opinions on the wood itself compared to others and if an all Osage bow would be good. I know it is tough as nails but was wandering about everything else. Thanks Flint

[Brad_Gentry]

Flint,
I've got one that Chuck made that's all osage. It's 62", deflex/reflex, and 58# @ 26. I draw close to 29" with a longbow, so it's probably around 67# at my draw. It's got a kind of mild locator grip, narrow and deep like a hill grip. I really like the way it shoots. Very smooth and comfortable. It's a gorgeous dark orange color, with the limb tips slightly darker. I'll bring it with to the squirrel hunt if you want to check it out.

[the Ferret]

I have one made by John Scifres called "OBO" (osage backed osage). Nice bow. Although it's a straight end bow and not rf/df, don't know why you couldn't make one that way.

[flint kemper]

Brad, won't be at the squirrel hunt. Hello Mickey, I got those river cane shafts Tuesday from Mike. Now where do I start,big end little end or what? Flint

[the Ferret]

Flint..good deal. Are they full length or cut? If full length look over the shafts and select the best "arrow" section in the shaft, think about nocks and tip ends, where you want your nodes to be. Cut to length remembering you'll need some length for your self nock and some for your tang, V notch or taper for your tip.Doesn't matter which end you start at for straightening, in the end it should all be straight. Have you ever straightened aluminum shafts? Same deal. Sight down the shaft, see where it needs straightening, heat that section and straighten, then set aside and do the next one, etc. After you've run through them once, pick another bend and straighten it.

I suggest you take 1 shaft and make it a "test shaft". Practice on it, seeing how much heat it takes to get soft, how much pressure it takes to bend, and then when you think you have a feel for it, straighten the rest. Also use that shaft for practice plugging the ends, practice cutting your self nock, practice fletching etc. Better to practice on 1 and get 11 good ones than mess up 3 or 4 learning.

Also a tip..DO NOT reduce nodes ANY until you are satisfied with the straightness of your shafts.

Need any other questions answered post here or email me.

 http://groups.msn.com/ferretsarcherywebpage/rivercanearrows.msnw  

 http://groups.msn.com/ferretsarcherywebpage/pluggingcane.msnw

(click on thumbnails to enlarge and read text)

[Dano]

I have an all osage glass longbow a good friend made for me, it is one of my favorite glass bows. I love osage!!!  

[Osagetree]

Let us see a picture Dano! ! also love the osage and would love to see one in all osage w/glass.

Seems like I saw one called Sunbear a while back it was sweet!

[Dave2old]

I made one by ripping a lam off an osage board, then reversing it and gluing back on in an r/d form. Didn't hold up too long, but that could be my workmanship! I've made a lot of osage board bows with hickory backing, with mixed results. Osage with bamboo is almost bulletproof, and takes really well to fairly radical r/d forming.

[Dano]

Here are a few pictures, the bow is 62" 55# @ 28. Made by Ed Garrison in Vandalia Illinois.

[Gil]

Dano, nice bow.Do yuou have that sundial in your yard?

Gil

[Osagetree]

Thanks Dano,,, Nice Bow!!

[flint kemper]

Dano, nice looking bow. Seems like I have heard the name Ed Garrison before don't recall where though. Of course Dano you know Chuck Jones from just West of Vandalia that makes Osage Royal Bows right. He currently builds the kids bows Black Rhino. He makes all osage r/d on request and they are mighty fine, got one right now I am tinkering with that he had built new and had not sold. Shoots hard and fast for such a mild d/r bow. Flint

[Dano]

Yep Flint, I know Chuck, he makes a mighty fine bow too.

Yeah Gil, that sundial is accurate enough for an old retired guy.  

[Shakes.602]

Very Nice! I guess I am Getting to Be a "Sentimental Old Grinch" in My Old Age!!