Hello All, need some advice

[baker4]

Greetings all, been lurking for a while and decided to join up    
Thinking about taking the training wheels off and been looking around for some ideas and tips on making some self bows. I've stumbled onto a few sites that have some great prices on U-finish long bows.
But I'd like to make my own bow or at least try.
I have cut a few 20' Hickory's down but not sure what would be ideal as in length and diameter!

[longbowhntr]

Welcome to site!! If you are asking what size tree to cut I would say you need a 6-7 foot log with the small end being at least 8-10 inches in diameter. Preferably with least amount of limbs as possible. Then quarter it when you split it out.
If I were you I keep my eyes open there is alot of osage in missouri, but hickory works good to.
David

[Chisler]

Hickory is a good wood to start with since the sapwood, the first layer under the bark, can be the back of your bow.  You just need a clear (knot free) piece.  If you have a 6' piece - great!  Make a 68" longbow.  Even 6" diam will work, if the grain is straight, it should split pretty straight.  1/4 the log, strip off the bark, then seal the ends and back with white glue or shellac, and let it dry.  Best to dry it in a horizontal position, this helps prevent any weird twisting, but it might twist/warp anyway - nature of the beast.  1/4's from bigger logs won't twist/warp as much.  If your piece isn/t thick enough, you can always add some handle material.
   Oh, like LBH said - keep your feelers out for some osage.

[baker4]

We got several cut but they may be a too short on the small end none the less they were meant for fire wood so no major loss.
Is Osage the same as Hedge ?

[Blue EagleBum]

Here, where I live we also call osage, hedge apple. So, I would say that it is also hedge there.

[Stiks-n-Strings]

Hedge is the same thing as Osage, Matter of fact I told a guy I was looking for some osage the other day and he looked at me like I was looking for something from another planet LOL I said hedge apple and he said oh yeah it's all over the place.
 It's also called Bois' Darc meaning bow wood and a few other names I'm sure.
it's kinda like tater chips once you get one it ain't never enough LOL
 Have fun, Kris

[scottm]

Kevin I dont know whare you live in missouri but you might want to try to make it to the tennessee classic this year.Great people great fun.Youll get more help there than you can shake a stick at.You can buy a stave there very reasonable,they have the tools and people there to help you build a bow .And you can shoot it on the 3-d range.How cool is that!