My first osage stave! ... It is finished!!...

[Zradix]

sounds like a plan.

[Echatham]

can't wait to go shoot it! trying to scam out of work early haha

[Roy from Pa]

How was dance class? LOL

[Echatham]

It was ok. I read through an entire issue of "Primitive Archer" from 1998 I think.  I got two girls and they both have dance on different days... I forget whos is whos, and of course i dressed the wrong kid, but grabbed the right shoes. i get there and im trying to put Nylah's shoes on Savannah's feet... and im like, oh no these are not your shoes... and she says "and that's not my class!"  so two wrongs kinda made a right... I had Nylah to dance on time, and I had her shoes.... she just had to dance in shorts and a t shirt.

[Echatham]

I've decided that this self bow needs self arrows.  Haven't done them before but I will. I think I have enough back sinew for the self nocks, but I want to tie on the feathers too I think... so maybe i should buy some more. I have a ton of wild turkey feathers, and as much as i hate looking for them behind targets... something kinda turns me off about bright, machine processed, artifically dyed feathers.  artificial sinew really turns me off... i refuse to buy it.  may get some silk thread though... thats an idea

[Zradix]

Been in a similar situation myself with 2 girls in dance.
..lol..

At least you remembered the shoes...I didn't...   :rolleyes:

Cool idea on the arrows.
Weird progression isn't it.
..just have more and more of an urge to do it yourself.

I'm still having a strong urge to go with boo arrows...

[Echatham]

well im going to use ready made shafts this time, but very soon the search is on for some good pine, birch, or fir boards to rip into shaft blanks.  gonna follow an artical i found in an old TBM by George Tsoukalas.  I do have alot of straight growing birch here in my own backyard, so i may cut a tree sometime and see if i can make them really really from scratch.

[Zradix]

that would be very cool!
   

[Roy from Pa]

Go for it Chief Crooked Arrow. LMAO      

[Echatham]

well i put about 150 arrows through it, decided my hunch about which limb wanted to be top was right, then sanded all the tool marks out with 120 grit. then put about 50 more through it and checked the tiller. no hinges or flat spots, no splinters, no frets. 1/8" pos tiller, 48# @ 28", only slightly more set than before maybe half inch. shoots same arrows my BBI did. this is THE QUIETEST bow I ever shot. the sound of arrows hitting the target is louder than the shot. I'm in love.  having a personal debate about whether to put a little dish in the grip or not. i kinda like it the way it is, but it might be a tad more comfortable with a little shape. we will see.  also have to decide if im going to stain it or not.. but i don't think so. let the yellow wood shine i think.

15yds with no rest or nock point
 

 

 

[Roy from Pa]

Pretty nice Eric... Congrats.

[Echatham]

Thanks Roy! you mean its not just "OK"?      

 

[Zradix]

That is one sweet bow Eric!

I'm very happy you like it.

I'm having trouble deciding on stain on osage too.
Decided I definitely don't want to go "brown" on it.
Golden oak looked nice..kinda darkened the grain a bit but still very yellow.

Problem is it seemed to really want to go in on the sides of the osage...like the sides of the accent on my riser.
Makes wood showing that grain orientation look brown.
But on the surfaces oriented like the belly of the bow it looked pretty.

...I very well my just leave it the heck alone...lol

[Roy from Pa]

Just Ok is way better than pretty nice...  

[Echatham]

one day i may snake skin it..... but i think i will leave it natural for now.

[Echatham]

Roy... ummmm.... Ok.  Thanks? i think....  

[Zradix]

[Roy from Pa]

Ya do know I am yanking your chain?

It looks very nice and OK too:) Now ya happy?

[Echatham]

[Echatham]

Roy I hope i get the chance to shoot with you one day.  I'd even take a thumpin for the opportunity!