2" X 2" X 72" osage board?

[Don Armstrong]

I bought 3 pieces of osage deminsional lumber in the classifieds last year and haven't done anything with two of them. The 2"X 2"X 72" piece can be cut quarter sawn or with the grain. The gentleman said it was several years old and the color would support that. It is very dark. I was thinking of sawing 2 pieces 3/4" thick for bows and the left over into backing strips. I would make 2 R&D bows using the backing to glue in the reflex. Would I be better sawing it with the grain or quarter sawn for this application. The other 2 pieces are 1/2"X 2"X 72". I have laid out a bow and glued a handle on one of them. I will back it with reflex glued in. I am planning on putting a 1/4" power lam in it to keep the handle from popping off. If this works out, I will do the other one the same. Any suggestions would be appricated. Don

[yolo]

I wrote a couple of pages here and deleted them. It is not my place to be negative. I would only say: the use of saws, etc. is like the use of crossbows. Perhaps there is a place? If someday we find a petroclif drawing of an indian using a powersaw I may change my mind. I have built these for over 30 years using an axe, a wedge, and a drawknife. I have never backed one with anything but sinew from animals havested. They are clumsy, slow, but throw a massive arrow silently into the life of an otherwise unknowing creature, and silently ending it. I have seen animals fall never really knowing anything had happened. There are many fine bows out there, fast, beautiful, and deadly, and loud. If that is all we seek there are easier ways of satisfaction. You can buy one. I would look for osage quartered to dry and try the old fashioned way, or buy a black widow, a Morrison, any of many fine bows. No disrespect meant but a selfbow from a saw? Selfbow/saw ?Anyway **** has a dozen or so just like that for 65 bucks, but they are hickory, or chicory,or dock.
By the way you did ask for suggestions. I am sorry that my response may not be what was expected. However it takes all, to make a world.
Semper Fi

[Don Armstrong]

yolo, you are intitled to your opinion as we live in America. I DID NOT ASK to be brow beat. I ask for suggestions on how to cut this piece of wood. If you want to get on a soap box, feel free as this is America but start your own topic. This one is not about you. Don

[yolo]

Ok. You can tell what a dumda-- I am by hitting post reply not add reply. My fingers are all broke and i type like an ape so sorry. Where does post reply go, and check that. I am sorry for your displeasure, and i did apoligize.

[Pat B]

Is there a chance you can chase a ring? That will give you at least 3 bows from the 3 staves...possibly more.
  If you want to cut these for backed bows cut them with biased or edge grain. I've never used osage for a backing but I would use a flat grained piece with one ring chased for the back.

[rainman]

If you can't chase a ring I would cut the slats no more than a half inch.  With a backing this will give you plenty of wood for up to 70lbs depending on your design.  People have been using saws to make bows since the iron age, when people started making saws.

[Orkraider]

I wish I had a nice chunk of osage like that. I'm jealous! I sure wish woood like that was in my budget. Would you be kind enough to post a pic as you go along with this?  
I think using a saw is Awesome! I'm a tool geek, and I'm fascinated by the history of hand tools. The earliest saws I've come across are over 5000 years old, in Egypt. In my humble opinion, it's totally ok to use a saw.

[red hill]

Don, Rainman had a good idea.  I am working with osage for the first time and its amazing.  The rasp takes it down so much better than the red oak boards I've been working.  Good luck.
Stan