Osage

[mark Willoughby]

Always been fascinated with self bows so yesterday I went and cut 7 good straight logs to make stave out off . Which didn't take to long because I've got more osage trees than my chainsaw cares to talk about    

[Bowjunkie]

Yes. Split the logs into pieces 3"+ wide, remove the bark and sapwood, follow one heartwood growth ring end to end and seal it. Ends should be sealed as well.

Then cut it out 2" wide while following the grain. Leave plenty of thickness in the handle/dip area and make the rest of the limbs 3/4 thick.

It can then be steamed and straightened if necessary, and/or reflex added, and then left to dry for a couple of months.

Dean Torges' book, Hunting the Osage Bow covers all of this, making an osage selfbow from tree to finish in great detail. Highly recommended reading.

[mark Willoughby]

Awesome thanks for the reply

[Mad Max]

you need to seal both ends of all the logs ASAP.
very important. wood glue works good, several coats

Then
What bowjunkie said