Help w/Snakey Osage

[Will B]

I would like some thoughts on this snakey Osage bow before I get too far along. This is by far the trickiest stave I’ve worked so far. It’s 68” long and 1-1/2” wide at the fades and straight pyramid design. I’m hoping for 50# @ 28”.

[Will B]

Photo at rest

[Will B]

Long string. 45# @ 18”.

[Selfbowman]

It’s going to be a pretty one Wil.

[Will B]

Here’s what I started with

[Stickhead]

“Straight pyramid design”?  Yeah, right.  That’s an extra cool snakey bow.  Just take it super slow and use a scraper rather than a rasp.

[Will B]

Thanks Tom

[Pat B]

Watch out for growth rings that take a different turn from the one above and below it. Snaky staves are notorious about that and it can be lethal. Check the edge grain carefully.
 Hope it works out for you. It will be a feather in your cap if you can make it work out. Will be a very cool bow when done. 

[Will B]

Thanks Pat. There are some crazy dips and curves, which creates some interesting grain. I had to chase some deep checks in a couple places along the sides. One was so deep I definitely violated the grain to remove it, but I figured that was necessary. Time will tell…

[Jim Davis]

Looks like you are on the right track. I've done one bow with a fair amount of snake to it. It was a fun challenge, but once was enough for me to prove I could do it.

[superdav95]

Lookin good so far will.   Take your time and use your fingers for getting close for you dips and hills to match them on the belly.  On a stave like that I may also use actual calipers too.  The left looks like it needs to bend a bit more to my eye on the pics.   Very nice piec of wood for sure.  I’m sure you’ll do it justice!   

[Will B]

Beautiful bow, Jim!  Thanks for your input, Dave. I will be sure to use my fingers and caliper, and go slow. Much appreciated!