Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: jimmy on January 16, 2011, 05:08:47 pm

Title: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: jimmy on January 16, 2011, 05:08:47 pm
I always wanted to make an osage bow from a branch. this branch was about 2 3/4" in diameter. one end was split and the other branched off, so i was left with less wood than expected. I decided to work with what I had and hope for the best. the bow is 55" tip to tip, 1 3/8 wide limbs, last 10" of limb tapering to 1/2" at tips. the non-bending handle is about 1 1/8" wide. this thing is full of knots and was a real challenge to make. i was just hoping to get through it without ruining it or breaking it. i don't make bows this short, and i know i'm pushing the limits of this wood can handle, but it's all i had to work with. it definitely met my expectations. osage is truly a thing of wonder. it pulls 52 pounds at 22", and right now i am afraid to draw it any further. as of now it has no string follow at all, so i'll probably stick to the short draw on this one. besides, it stacks a little at this draw length anyway and that let's me know not to push it any further. it shoots smooth and fast. i would personally never use a bow like this for everyday shooting, but it would be perfect for a 10 yard (or less) shot on a deer. i will branches in the future for bows, but probably never one with this many knots. it was fun to make it, but i think i've had all of this type of fun that i can stand for a while. a nice, smooth, knot-free stave is calling my name.
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: jimmy on January 16, 2011, 05:14:41 pm
more pics.
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: aero86 on January 16, 2011, 05:17:50 pm
if you wanted more draw length, you might be able to tiller a few more inches of pull out of it..
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: broketooth on January 16, 2011, 05:19:33 pm
hoooooly cow what a cool lookin bow. lots of character . i like it well done sir. ruddy
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: swamp yeti on January 16, 2011, 05:27:02 pm
Cool looking bow,love the knots on the limbs and tiller.
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: Buckeye Guy on January 16, 2011, 06:03:42 pm
Wow !!!
Good job!
Did I say wow !
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: snag on January 16, 2011, 07:10:04 pm
Very nice Jimmy. Love the knobs.
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: Dean Marlow on January 16, 2011, 07:38:17 pm
That is a work of art. That is one of the best looking character bows that I have seen in long time. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: beetlebailey1977 on January 16, 2011, 08:26:23 pm
Looks good......I have a name for it....Sir Bumps A lot.   :)
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: Keenan on January 16, 2011, 08:32:12 pm
 Great little character bow Jimmy, you did very well with a challenging piece of wood. the profile looks great and the tiller as well.
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: cracker on January 16, 2011, 08:35:10 pm
Very cool a good example of using what you got.Ron
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: mullet on January 16, 2011, 08:43:41 pm
 That's a cool looking bow. I'm with aero, you can stretch some more juice out of it.
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: Bullitt on January 16, 2011, 09:36:13 pm
Love it Jimmy!

Limb, second growth, sucker bows are my favorites! Brings a smile to my face when I see one and think of the champion of these, Sonny Inman of Ohio.  :)

He would be proud to see it!
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: tattoo dave on January 16, 2011, 10:27:22 pm
That's awesome Jimmy!!! Fine work.
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: Hrothgar on January 16, 2011, 10:29:31 pm
Nice job on a tough stave!
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: ErictheViking on January 16, 2011, 10:31:38 pm
that is awesome. love the lumps on the back. good job.
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: Sparrow on January 16, 2011, 11:10:50 pm
 That is a beauty ! I reackon it would make a pretty good horse bow.  '  Frank
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: jimmy on January 16, 2011, 11:49:42 pm
thanks for all the compliments. i haven't ever posted pictures of my bows, but i wanted to share this one because this is the type of stuff that i like to look at. actually, i love to look at most all types of wood bows - i can't get enough. i hope you guys are warmer than i am here in Kansas.
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: George Tsoukalas on January 17, 2011, 12:13:33 am
jimmy, that is such a nice character bow and it is beautifully tillered. Well done. Jawge
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: stickbender on January 17, 2011, 12:34:36 am

     Dang boy, you got that one down, despite problems!  :o Better keep it out of sight, Keenans wife is taking up horse archery! :o
That is a very pretty bow, and the finish work on those knots, is absolutely excellent.  8) How about " The Knotsinhand bow " ? ::)
Or...... the knotty man's bow......or....ok, ok, ok, I'll stop.   ;D  Very nice job Jimmy, and a great bow.

                                                                                  Wayne
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: Pat B on January 17, 2011, 12:45:04 am
Very cool little bow!  8)  I also agree you can eek another few inches out of it. Kick the tips a bit and reduce the stacking too.
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: IrishMonk on January 17, 2011, 01:14:18 am
Nice man... I like it.  I was impressed also by the rings on that cut of Osage... nice and wide.
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: medicinewheel on January 17, 2011, 03:06:33 am
Impressive work!
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: Parnell on January 17, 2011, 10:13:56 am
Very cool, great work!
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: HoBow on January 17, 2011, 10:26:47 am
Nice job!
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: Sidewinder on January 17, 2011, 10:54:35 am
Very cool Jimmy,

I'm glad you started posting your stuff. For those of you that don't know Jimmy, he is one of the best local bowyers that I know. His work with bows, arrows, quivers etc...is as good as it gets. I'm currently shooting a little 55" 50# osage flatbow he made. It has knots on the back like this one and I knicknamed it "skeeter bite" because the knots look like skeeter bites. His cherokee flatbows look like they came from a time capsule, primitive but certainly not lacking in refinement of detail. He is a true craftsman and I know we will all benefit from his postings in the future.

Is that some of that Zebra wood on the tips? Looks good buddy, we'll get together here sometime soon before I have to go back to the daily grind in the spring.   Danny
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: nativenoobowyer86 on January 17, 2011, 12:20:16 pm
Thats a beauty! I cant imagine how much work that must have taken.  Id like to try a stave like that, in a year or two maybe :D
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: Josh on January 17, 2011, 05:33:31 pm
beautiful entry for January BOM too!  :)
Title: Re: short, knotty osage branch bow
Post by: Pappy on January 17, 2011, 06:24:33 pm
Got to love that,very nice work jimmy on a tough piece of wood.You did that piece jutice  :)
   Pappy