Project is to fashion a bendy handle bow. Recipient's specs are 50ish# @ 26-27". Had in mind to flip tips moderately and deflex handle.
Stave chosen is pc of red elm that's 58" long.
Here's a few pics of the elm stave with front profile outlined in black marker.
It's 58", ttt. 1 1/2" wide @ fades & out to mid-limb, then to 1/2" tip. Handle is 1" wide. No major knots, but numerous pin knots ... often in clusters.
First, overall view.
Now, lower limb, showing tiny bit of handle, then fade, then limb.
There's pin knot near left edge midway down limb.
And another, also on left side, near tip.
Rest of this limb is clean of knots.
Now, the problem child, upper limb. Again showing bit of handle, then fade, then limb.
7" from tip on right side is cluster of 3 pin knots. Black marker shows a plan to make limb wider in that area so they're not right on edge. If, instead, I make limb taper a straight line, 2 of the 3 pin knots will disappear leaving just one very close, but not RIGHT, on the edge. Any thoughts on best option here?
Other major headache in my view is limb just beyond the fade. On left side is cluster of 3 pin knots. One near edge and 2 more nearer limb's center line. On right is cluster of 2 pin knots located midway between limb's edge and limb center line.
Given the clustering and location of pin knots in this stave, am not confident re odds of success. I do have available what appears to be relatively clean pc of osage .... though have not yet removed bark.
Recommends are invited! Thanks for looking/reading.
