Just finished up this 55 ½” Osage flat bow. I started with a stave that was around 64”. It had a very bad dog leg towards the end of the stave. I didn't feel like trying to straighten it out so I decided to make another shorty. It also had a pretty significant prop that I was able to get out easily with some dry heat and a pipe wrench. It pulls 54#@26” and is shortest stiff handle I've ever made, unbacked. I probably pushed the limits with this one. It only took a ½” of set and additional ½” of string follow. Only the last couple inches of the tips is stiff. I wanted to get as much working limb as possible without having whip tiller. It's a great/hard shooter that I plan on shooting all summer and hunting with this fall. I named the bow, “Bone Buster” and hopefully it lives up to its name!
This was my first time using juvenile diamond backs. The detail in the skins is uncomparable to the adult skins. The only downside is the thickness. They are tissue paper thin and require a gentle touch when applying and trimming. I used black and white ebony on the tips to mimic the rattle. I did a Dean Torges style handle and the grip is leather. It's finished with 8 coats of tru-oil.
Thank you for looking
Jon (straightarrow)
