Osage questions.

[Rob W.]

I got this stave from a buddy. It was badly checked on one end so I'm down to 66" already and it has some funky growth ring stuff going on.

 

this is end is pretty good but thin ringed.

 

this is the end I'm worried about.

 

 

That mess on the bottom has me wondering where to go from here. Any comments or suggestions are welcome.

[Pat B]

Rob take it down to the first ring you can get a good back ring. If that ring is thin add a rawhide backing to it.
66" is plenty for a 28" draw. It is going to be a difficult stave for a newbie to work but if you take your time you can do it.

[Bowjunkie]

I agree with Pat entirely.

[Rob W.]

Thanks Pat. I got her down to a good ring and the mess at the bottom wasn't that bad.

How thin is too thin on the ring? I really dont want to back it. I will if I need to though.

I still may have to shorten it a bit. I can still see a little check on one end. Can I get by with 64" and my 29" draw?

[Pat B]

Don't worry about the checks in the ends. They run with the grain and shouldn't effect the build at all.
 No ring is too thin if you et a clean back. I really working with thin ringed osage. I think it makes a snappier bow...but I always back with rawhide.