My 2nd attempt and it is going to be a challenge!

[Pat B]

Looks like an exciting explosion...like you need one! d;^)   Put those pieces back together and see if you can figure what went first. Broken bows are great teachers that most folks disgard out of discuss but I keep them around for reference.
  You might find the weakness in that wood and design your next bow that will deal with its weakness.

[KellyG]

Loren,
I will hit you up on AKO.
Pat B,
my soldiers burned the splinters, of my staves and bow to burn some paperwork. I have fum making splinters they have fum burning them. Win win. I did put i back and looked at it but it just went like my smaller test pieces did. No creaking or cracking just broke. I know where the failure was in this project and it was not the wood. I was the Hmmmmm bowyer if you can call him that. Got the short string on per you suggestion and it was bending and look like a bow. I got excited and tried to do three things at once and well I am still shell shocked.  
Kelly

[Pat B]

Those spurts of excitement will do it every time! We have all been there.
  I'd venture to say it was a back failure meaning the tension strength is weak and when overstressed the back failed. A paper backing may be in order before you go too far with the rest. As dry as the air is there many woods we use for bows here would fail in that arid climate. You might try storing your staves in the shower house or near the kitchen where there is usually more humidity.

[KellyG]

Pat B thanks for the insight. I will continue my attempt.  I do have brown paper and that is what I had planned on doing with that one and round 2. I figure if  I can make a shoot able bow out of this wood here, when I get back I will be able to turn hickory in to a bow without any issues.

[Pat B]

I think you are right about learning on this unknown wood. Other woods will be a breeze when you have good bow building bow wood, proper tools and better working conditions.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

Too bad there isn't some type of wood over there that's more flexible yet strong like Osage.

You've definitely got the will to get it done Kelly! I've been reading your post and I know you have what it takes to build a nice bow. Your only problem is your limited resources. I'd love to see what you could build in a nice wood shop with all the proper tools and materials at your disposal.

Keep trying......and keep us in the loop!

God Bless and keep your head down brother!

SEMO

[KellyG]

Thanks,
For the kind and encouraging words, and I will keep you posted. I will be on R&R and will be out of the loop traveling over the next few days.
I will pick up in round 2. Plus I will send myself a little gift box. I had just picke up a spoke shave about a week before I left. I do have a wood file and a camp axe like the one in the pic of the spliting, execpt it has much longer handle. Oh yeah and tite bond III. I will need that for the splice.
Take care and thanks agian,
Kelly