i have two very exceptional billits of Osage orange about 48 inches long at 1.5 inches+ wide. i plan to splice them using the double fish tail splice about five inches long. has this ever been attempted to get a bow of warbow strength. any advice or opinions welcome.
In theory a splice can be stronger than the original wood, but I would be worried about the back giving way at the splice if the bow were made to bend through the handle, so instead I would make a stiff handled bow and would probably wrap the joint with some form of cord.
The "100lb" spliced bow I made did not last through the tillering process, it broke apart at the joint just as I reached 105lb at 32" . May have been my bad workmanship, may not.
Best of luck with your build.
Craig
