First osage selfbow tiller help

[Tracker0721]

60" ntn, little under 55@28, widest part of any limb is 15/16" due to the staves shape.








Supposed to be a stiff handle bow because the middle of the handle has a big twist from a knot that I removed. Because of my splint I held it a little low apparently, couldn't grip like normal...

Should I remove some more wood from the outer limbs and try straightening the bend in the handle, maybe reflex the limbs? It took a bit of set in the handle area.

[Tracker0721]

And I got these cracks in the handle from taking said set.



Planning to wrap with something then do a leather handle wrap. Already filled with good super glue

[Pat B]

Looks pretty good for your first osage bow. The outer portion of the bottom limb looks like it could bend a bit more though.
 A hemp cord wrap will hold that and saturate it with Massey finish. It makes a very strong wrap plus a good, comfortable handle wrap. I use it on most of my bows anymore.

[bubby]

Yup like pat said bottom limb is doing most of the bending avout eight inches below your hand get the rest bending more and it is looking alright

[bradsmith2010]

looking good, good advice from above,,, if your draw is as in the pic,, maybe a little less than 28,,, great,, dont draw the bow to 28 any more,, and it will take less set at your draw,,and have better cast at the shorter draw,,

[sieddy]

Looking good man- hope it finishes up as you wanted! :-)
Pat- what's a Massey finish? (I'm guessing it's an approach Jay Massey developed/favored)

[Tracker0721]

I see that hinge thing now! Thanks guys. I was gonna ask the same about the Massey finish. And even though it may be overkill, can I leather wrap it over that? If this bow holds together for a few hundred more shots I'm gonna skin it. I have a bit over 100 shots with it now.

[bradsmith2010]

yes you can leather wrap over it,,

[Pat B]

A leather wrap over the hemp cord wrap may make the handle too big in diameter for your comfort. You could reduce the diameter of the handle a bit though.

[Green]

Nice work Dylan!  Dang'd if you're not almost there.  Hope the finger heals up quick so you can get on to that new job!

[Tracker0721]

Okay Mr. B I went through threads to try finding pictures of your handles, boy do those look nice. But I couldn't find how you mix up your Massey finish? Is it the 10 parts acetone to 1 part epoxy like another guy said? And if I'm skinning it do I skin it first? And if I'm just using spray on miniwax poly to seal the bow do I do that first or add that to the layer of finish on the wrap?

[Pat B]

I do 1 or 2 coats of sealer first before adding the wrap. I don't measure the Massey finish but mix the 2 part epoxy(I use 2ton in the double syringe) well first then add acetone until it is pretty thin. I use a rolled up paper towel to apply the finish by dabbing the handle with the saturated towel roll.
 I normally add shins, rawhide, etc. before adding the handle wrap but you can add skins later over the finish and just butt it against the handle wrap.