osage question

[Stixnstones]

workin on a nice piece now , my query is if the back undulates should the belly follow and this piece has alot of knots the knots rise on the back should i again follow that on belly ? hope u can answer this question

[Buckeye Guy]

I say yes the belly should basically follow the back thru the undulating !
Others will disagree .
have fun
 Guy

[Eric Krewson]

Just follow the side profile, make the belly match the back but just on the sides, don't leave raised places on the belly to match the knots.

[Dances with squirrels]

I concur with Eric. Establish the limb thickness and taper by gauging it along all four of the limbs edges... following the undulations there... then remove wood on the belly to effect the bend as needed. In case it needs said, the back should first be brought to the pristine growth ring that comprises the bow's back AND it should be brought to an accurate width profile... especially if the belly will be radiused at all.

This is exactly what I've been doing today... on an osage stave with undulations and such. I'm anal about thickness tapering and think it makes things better and easier later, so I really take my time and go over and over it.

[Stixnstones]

thanx guys thats what i've been thinkin.wurkd some yew a couple o years back ( unsuccessively i mite add) n i knew that i had to follow the belly with the back just didnt no if sage was as critical since its so bad ass n all. fortunately all of the sage i've wurkd thus far has been relatively flat. agin thanx for the advise much appreciato

[George Tsoukalas]

Well, I compensate for knotted areas by leaving them wider.
Basically, the belly and back should be in unison in your taper.
Jawge