need help starting a new bow

[talkingcabbage]

Hey all!  I'm going to be getting started on an osage D-shape bow.  I'd like to make it fairly short (around 56-60") and somewhere around 55-60#, although if it comes in a little lighter, I won't fuss.  

I need help choosing a good ring, and getting started laying out the basic sizes.  Here's my best looking chunk.
 
 

I'm thinking 1 1/8" wide at the handle, tapering to 1/2" x 3/8" thick nocks.  I'm not quite sure how to go about working the handle section, though.

Is the ring I marked with the sharpie the first decent one for the back, or can I maybe use one of the rings above it?  Also, does it look like I have enough "meat" for the handle area?  I realize the handle area will be considerably smaller because it will bend through the handle, but with the ring being about halfway down, will it still work for me?  

Just looking for opinions from the "masters".  Any and all advise is much appreciated!

[scrub-buster]

I am not a master by no means, but you might have a couple of D bows in there.  Here is how my D style bow started out.

 

 

It doesn't take much wood to make a D style bow.

[talkingcabbage]

ttt

any suggestions on my dimensions?  do they seem fairly accurate?  what about stacking?  I'd like to have this bow be a really smooth draw with no stacking, but I'm not sure how a D-type bow will perform.  Any comments?

[Roy Steele]

I've aways used the first ring if I can.Some like to use a thicker ring if they can.But I was taught the first ring is alweays the best.This may not be right but out of a couple dozzen o'sage bows I've only had one fail.Andf it was a 95#er I was building for someone a long time ago.

[talkingcabbage]

thanks Roy.  The only reason I wanted to go down as far as I marked is because those inner rings are all thicker which will make it easier to chase, and there's a greater late/early ring ratio, so I figured more strength.

[talkingcabbage]

I got the stave shaved down considerably today in 15 minutes!  I used one of our power planers here at work, and it worked awesome!  I think with a little practice, I can almost chase a ring with the thing (or at least get close).  

Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone has any tips on following the grain down the length of the stave, for a centerline.  I should have the ring chased by tomorrow, and I'll be ready to start marking/measuring.  I've done this a time or two before, but it's always a chore and I'm not sure if I'm getting it right.  

Also, what do I do with the handle area at the beginning?  How do I layout for that?  Just trying to plan ahead.

Thanks in advance guys!

[talkingcabbage]

k, I need help laying out the centerline on this stave.  Can anyone give me some advise, or at least a website to check out?  

btw, where has everyone gone?  this forum seems dead lately.

[George Tsoukalas]

Yes, that's a good one. Get close to the ring you chose. Then, you'll need a curved scraper for those rings or some curved shave hooks. Jawge

[George Tsoukalas]

[George Tsoukalas]

Shavehooks are in the middle. Jawge