Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: FlintWalker on March 03, 2009, 10:31:10 pm

Title: How long do you wait before taking belly splits from osage?
Post by: FlintWalker on March 03, 2009, 10:31:10 pm

I cut a 20" osage the other day and have only reduced it down to 1/8th splits.  These are still massive and each one should yield from 3 to 6 bows...if I can get the belly splits from them before I split the top part.  I know they split better if they are seasoned. But as big as these are, that would take a very long time. 
  For some of you guys that have worked more osage than me. How long do you wait before trying belly splits?  Thanks, Saw Filer

Title: Re: How long do you wait before taking belly splits from osage?
Post by: Timo on March 03, 2009, 10:40:10 pm

I do it right away, sometimes in the field,(on big trees).If it is good straight grained they usually just pop right out,following closely along a single ring. Seal um quick.

Try one and see how ya get along with it, then let us know.

Title: Re: How long do you wait before taking belly splits from osage?
Post by: Pat B on March 04, 2009, 12:01:29 am

I agree with Tim. You can do it now but be sure to seal the backs.

Title: Re: How long do you wait before taking belly splits from osage?
Post by: FlintWalker on March 04, 2009, 12:39:52 am

I tried it on one of the smaller, not so great splits.  Worked like a charm! ;D
 The piece I got from the bottom is crooked as a dogs hind leg, but would make a great character bow.
 Popping those belly splits off now should help make handling those staves a lot easier.  Thanks

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Title: Re: How long do you wait before taking belly splits from osage?
Post by: Pappy on March 04, 2009, 05:41:45 am

I always do it righ away also,then seal.I love belly splits,most of the time you just have to clean it up a little and there you have it.Looks like yo can get another out of the one you are holding.
I got 5 bows out of one one time. :)
   Pappy

Title: Re: How long do you wait before taking belly splits from osage?
Post by: GregB on March 04, 2009, 08:00:41 am

Yep, I'd get another'n offa that'un!  ;D

Title: Re: How long do you wait before taking belly splits from osage?
Post by: TRACY on March 04, 2009, 09:00:01 am

I've done it both ways and prefer to split it while I'm cutting/splitting and sealing everything else. I only have to take one shower then ;D Looks like you got plenty to work with there!

Tracy

Title: Re: How long do you wait before taking belly splits from osage?
Post by: Olschool on March 04, 2009, 09:37:39 am

If that one's crooked, wonder what he would call some of the ones I've got  ;D

Title: Re: How long do you wait before taking belly splits from osage?
Post by: Hillbilly on March 04, 2009, 01:58:04 pm

I usually split them off in the field, too. Makes it easier to split the quarters afterwards, also.

Title: Re: How long do you wait before taking belly splits from osage?
Post by: yazoo on March 04, 2009, 02:12:51 pm

I dont see a crooked one either, I just worked one whose tip was 20in off center, those look good