First osage selfbow

[BMN]

This has been an incredibly long project but I think I'm getting close to actually finishing my first osage selfbow. I've worked on this bow as time allows for almost a year now. It's 65" ntn, unbacked, even limb lengths with a rigid handle. Here it is braced at about 5 inches.

 

Drawn to 26 inches, only two inches to go.

 

Unbraced profile just after unstringing it.

 

Each limb has a slight sideways bend in it but they're in opposite directions so the string tracks down the middle of the handle. Should I try to correct this by adjusting the depth of the string grooves or just let it go as is?

 

I still need to shape the handle and tips and then shoot it some but I think I'm getting close. What do you think? I still have three seasoned staves waiting in the garage so hopefully the next one will be better. What a fun project!

Bill

[brettlandon]

LQQKING GOOD!!!      With the string tracking through the center, I would not change the bend in the limbs, but I really like the character inherent in the stave.  There are, however, heat and bend options with that yeller wood you might consider.  Others here on the sight are far more experienced than I and may have other suggestions.  That bow looks great, hope to see it any you at the tenth annual MOJAM!

-Brett

[Osagetree]

Looks great! I'd leave it, just finish it off and shoot it. Tiller looks good, but I bet that bow will go to 28" with no problem.

[John Scifres]

Good job!

[whitebuffalo]

looks awsome bud,, man I hope my first comes out that good,,J

[buckshot95]

great job!!!!!!

[George Tsoukalas]

Excellent work! Jawge

[Walt Francis]

Looks good!!  You managed to get John's and Jawage's approval and that says a lot.

[Whip]

I'm no expert, but it looks really good to me!  I just finished my firstt last month, so I do know how you're feeling right now - it is cool!    
I can tell you that those last couple of inches will go very fast, so make sure to go slow now.

[Danny Roberts]

That looks totally awesome !!! I would give my eye teeth for a piece of osage. There isn't any around my neck of the woods. Closest thing around here is mulberry and that is very scarce. Good luck with all your trad. projects !! We can count on you posting pictures this fall with your bow and 'ole mossyhorns, right ?

[BMN]

Thanks for all the nice comments guys. It's been a great learning experience so far.

It means a lot to have John and Jawge like it. I can't tell you how many times I've been on their websites over the past year. I've also read all three volumes of TBB, Hunting the Osage Bow, followed every build along on this site and others, and the plans came from Mickey's site. It's great that these people take the time to share their experiences and do so much to help beginners like me. Thanks to you all    

Danny, I wouldn't count on ole mossyhorns but a yearling doe would work.

Bill

[Jason Lester]

Dang! Looks like an awesome first.

That's what is so awesome about this site. Guys like, John, Jawge, and Mickey (and many others) willing to help anyone out learning to do this stuff.

As for taking a long time. I think on a first taking your time is critical. Alot of failed attempts by people are because they hurried.