Osage Billets

[bluegill]

I cut some osage today that will make some good billets and I have a couple of questions about them. Do they dry any faster than a stave of the same thickness? Are there any different steps I should take while constructing a bow from them? I was planning on cutting them about 3 feet long and reducing the length when I splice them together. Any other input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Stickhead]

There's a nice osage billet build-along on the how-to site:

http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,81.0.html

[Justin Snyder]

Cut them as long as you can.  You can never forsee all the problems that may arise, and you might need to cut something out that would have been in the part you are planning to leave.  I think the only way to speed up drying is to thin them.  You will be sealing the ends and the back, so all drying will take place from the sides and belly.  Justin

[mullet]

  If you thin them,clamp them down or alot of times they will twist.