Any bowyers around Charlotte NC that can help with Osage?

[timeneverfreezes]

I'm getting ready to build a first bow. I plan it being an osage self-bow even possibly adding a backing. I know that this is not the best first material to build from but the wood just looks beautiful. I bought a already roughed out stave that's been taken down to a ring in the classifieds. It looks really nice.

I know that it is a long shot but are there any bowyers in the piedmont region willing to take a phone call or visit from me? I just want to soak up as much knowledge as I can so I don't ruin this beautiful stave.

To anyone else that visits this thread, If you know of any good build-along's or info please don't hesitate to share it.

Thanks

[kodiakkid]

Osage is great wood for self bows. No need to back it either. If it's already down to a single ring alot of the work is done.

[Pat B]

With a few questions from you and pics as you proceed we can help you through the process of building your selfbow. Osage is an excellent bow wood and a good beginner wood but most don't want to spend the bucks until they have a little experience. That's why they go to Home Depot or Lowe's for a red oak board.
  What is your draw length? What draw weight are you shooting for. Any particular style bow or whatever the stave will allow?

[timeneverfreezes]

Hey Pat

My draw length is 28" I'm shooting for a higher weight bow in the 70-80lb range.

I would prefer a longbow with a little bit of reflex/deflex.

I have hunting the osage bow bow in the mail  

I have a few pictures from the seller as it hasn't come in yet. I'll post them up.

[timeneverfreezes]

These are the sellers pictures, I'll get a few closeups when the stave comes in.

   

   

[Eric Krewson]

Looks like a really nice osage bow blank to me and I have seen a bunch over the years.

[George Tsoukalas]

My site may help you get started. Jawge
 http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/

[Okie 1]

Patience, Patience, Patience!!! Just remember that everytime you start to work on it. And like Pat said, there are a lot of people 'round here that'll be willin' to help ya.

[Pat B]

You've got a very good start at a heavy bow with that stave. Wait until you get Dean's book before you start. Read it from cover to cover first. If you are like me, I have to read Dean's stuff a few times for it to sink in. Then slowly re-read chapters 6, 7 and 8.

[tommy6]

How do you plan on taking wood off? Do you have a scraper? If not a good thing to get would be a scraper and learn how to sharpen it. Reduce the stave slowly...I mean slowly.