Might be a dumb ? but need a little help

[SteveL]

Hi All,

I've been staring at an osage stave I purchased from Pine Hollow longbows at least 4 years ago, maybe longer. When I start to think about getting started I get sort of intimidated by one singular thing I can't quite figure out.

Let's stay I succeed in getting it correctly roughed out. Then if there are twists and turns and uneven relex and deflex along the length, do I just try to steam or heat gun things until I can get it all pretty much straight? It would seem that's what has to be done but I'm not sure.

By the way I really enjoy the Bowyers forum...it strikes me that many of the creations I see here approach art and I really get a lot of enjoyment from everyone's contributions. I hope to add to that someday.

steve

[Roy from Pa]

Pictures would help.

Wet / green wood use steam, dry wood use dry heat. 4 years for your stave means it's nice and dry and seasoned, if you stored it inside out of the weather. That is great bow wood right there. Use dry heat on it, like a heat gun.

It's all fun, jump in and join us crazy Bowyers:)

[Bowjunkie]

You don't HAVE to alter the natural shape of the stave unless you cannot lay it out so that the string will bisect the handle. The stave can wiggle back and forth along its length, rise and fall, even a little twist is ok... in fact, many bowyers hold such character endearing in their bows.

For the beginner, it may be of benefit, due to lack of understanding/experience, for the tips to be equally positioned in relation to the handle. In other words, if one tip is even with the handle but the other has 2" of string follow, it would likely benefit him to heat it, and make it even with the handle as well.... not necessary though.

[John Scifres]

Seems like there is a little paralysis by analysis.  Get it roughed out and then decide on corrections.

Worry not about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry for itself.  Sufficient for a day is its own evil.

[SteveL]

Thanks for insights guys and John I think you are more right than I may have considered. As an aside I probably should keep that verse in mind for many areas of my life. Thanks for the reminder.

I'll do my best to document the journey with pics and report back once in awhile for suggestions.

Good shooting and hunting to all,

steve

[John Scifres]

I should have credited the author.  That's Matthew 6:34.

[NYArrow]

Getting started is always the biggest step. Even once started trying something new you will face a similar predicament. My stance is  go for it- worst case scenario, you break a piece of wood!

[critman]

Get Gary S. Davis' DVD "Rattlestick".  It will take you through the whole process. Cannot tell you how much I learned watching it over and over and over..............

[red hill]

Steve, have you read any of the older threads on the bench?
There are many good threads that cover your concerns. Just do a little research from the last 6-8 years.