43" Osage Stave?

[nguidi328]

What should I do with it?

I ordered it on eBay no knowing how short it is.  Can I do anything worthwhile aside from making a kids bow?

Are there any exceptions to the Draw Length = 1/2 Ammo Length? Such as adding a backing, narrower an thicker limbs, etc?

My draw length is 27" so the closer I can get to that the better. Would be shooting for 50-55# draw weight.

Thanks!

Nick

[Nasr]

how wide is it maybe you can split it and and then splice to make longer
but that only if you have enough width to do that.

[sleek]

You can get a 26 draw off that with recurves and a deflex handle.  Depending on how wide it is you can get a 40 pounder.

[bradsmith2010]

splice some extensions on it too,, to get more draw,,

[osage outlaw]

Get another one and make a take down bow or splice them together.

[PatM]

Add extensions for sure. Plenty of length if you stick an extra 10 on each end.

[Morgan]

Add extensions for sure. Plenty of length if you stick an extra 10 on each end.

Could y’all please elaborate on this or maybe post a link where it has been done. That intrigues me.

[Eric Krewson]

How wide is your stave? It takes very little osage to make a bow 1" wide with a stacked belly is plenty for your poundage range. If you can split your stave and get two pieces to splice you can make a full length bow. If not, buy another billet. 

[ohma2]

Add extensions for sure. Plenty of length if you stick an extra 10 on each end.
x2

[PatM]

Add extensions for sure. Plenty of length if you stick an extra 10 on each end.

Could y’all please elaborate on this or maybe post a link where it has been done. That intrigues me.

 In the simplest form it involves cutting a v in each end and sticking a matched piece into  it and gluing it in place.   I guess a lap joint is even simpler but arguably less strong.

 Making that extension angled or recurved is the next step.

  Almost every composite bow uses a variation of this technique.

[nguidi328]

Thanks for all the replies guys!  I'm resistant to splicing or doing anything that will make it more than 1 piece of wood, I was after a selfbow.  Maybe I'll just have to be careful and settle with a 25" draw.

[PEARL DRUMS]

If the stave is 43" you might get 41.5" ntn, that's enough for a HEALTHY 20-21" draw.