Small Osage Question

[buckeyebowhunter]

I have aquired a piece of Osage that is about 2 and a half inches wide and about 55 inches long. Ive decided to keep the sapwood on. Would I be able to make a D bow that would bend the entire length. If so what is the highest poundage I could make it, and what dimensions should I use what limb width and things like that. If you guys could just give me any info on making a bow with this piece of wood. Thanks-Robert

[Eric Krewson]

You didn't say how thick the wood is but if it is a sprout and 2" in diameter, that's kid bow stuff.

On the other hand, if it is 2" wide and and inch or do of usable belly wood you can make any poundage up to 75 or 80#. I make my osage bows 1 1/4" wide with a slightly rounded belly.

[buckeyebowhunter]

Eric there is easily over an inch of belly wood that is usable, but I'm worried about it being too short to make it around 50# at my draw of 27" What do you think?

[Osagetree]

All you can do is try. If it is too light, give it to a kid.
Make sure it is well cured. In my experience is small trees mean small rings, which means string follow.
Where in southeastern are you?

[Eric Krewson]

Make it bend in the handle a little and you can make any poundage you want.

[buckeyebowhunter]

OsageTree I live in Perry County in the small town of Somerset.