Osage build question

[mulie]

I have 17 osage bows builds under my belt. All have been similar in nature being a 68" flatbow design from an 8" to 12" diameter log. Right now I have a 76" very straight limb that the heart wood is 2" to 3" diameter. I'm looking for advice on the best build technique for this build.  I have thought about flattening the back and then putting a bamboo backing on it.  However, I would prefer not to do that.  My end goal is a bow that draws 55 to 60 lbs at 29".
Thanks

[LittleBen]

I should start by saying I haven't built an osage bow, but if I understand correctly, your concern is that the back will have a very high crown.

I think if you're going to make it 68" long, you can probably go pretty narrow and still hit that target weight, say 1.25" or so, so you'd probably be fine doing something like that.

You could also think about decrowning the back and sinewing the bow instead of bamboo ... still not a pure selfbow, but it'd be something different.

[Pat B]

I've made a few bows with 2" to 3" osage suckers. What I did was determine the best place to cut and band sawed them lengthwise. Then I bound the 2 halves back together with small wood spacers between and waited for them to dry.
 Osage can take the high crown. Make the belly flat.
  Will you post pics of the limb?
 If the sapwood is sound you can keep some of it on the back. If you are not sure how sound it is chase a back ring like with any other osage stave.

[mulie]

Thanks for responding...
LittleBen- Yes I'm concerned about it having such a high crown.  I'm struggling with leaving the crown as is or decrowning it and putting a backing on it.  I've used sinew on one of my bows and it shoots great.  I would just prefer not going the backing route if possible.  
Pat B- It will be a few days before I could post any pictures of the limb.  It is actually a sucker from a tree that I cut about 10 years ago.  Something about it just called out to me to give it a shot.  I'm not sure that I follow cutting and adding a spacer as you posted.  Could you give a little more detail about how and why you did it?
Thanks for your help,
Judd

[Pat B]

I cut the pole in half lengthwise with a band saw. I then bound the 2 halves back together with cordage but added spacers between the 2 halves to allow for good air circulation. Binding them together helps prevent each half from warping or taking on too much backset(reflex). You can add reflex with heat later.

[mwirwicki]

I've made plenty out of small diameter osage.  In fact, they are among my favorites.  Like Pat said, osage can take it.  Flat belly, but make sure the edges are rounded a bit and aren't left sharp.  Often, a handle riser needs to be added since there is a lack of depth.  If you're steaming or straightening with dry heat, add the handle after the heating is complete.