I cut these Osage staves out of a big log about 5 years ago. I split the log, painted the ends and stored them in the ceiling of my carport to dry. Last year, I tore down the carport and moved the staves to a location on the ground resting on some supports to keep them off the ground. I pulled them out this weekend to see if they're salvageable. They are about 94 inches long. A couple of them have some pretty serious reflex (I think that's the proper term, see pics?) You can see some twist in some of them, almost 90 degrees. There are also some insect bore holes, but I don't think they go into the heart wood. I tried scraping off the white wood, dang it's hard and about 1/4 inch thick. Are these staves salvageable? Two of them are pretty straight. Any advice before I make a lot of shavings or do I have some good firewood? Thanks!
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Self-Bowyers, I need help
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Probably good fire wood. Peal sap wood off and take a look . If no checks after two heart wood growth rings you could get a bow. High back staves. Probably from about 6-8 inch tree. Not the best wood. I always incourage first timers to start with a really great stave for better , easier , success. Then move to the challenging staves. Arvin
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Originally posted by TMiddleton View PostX2 on the BBO's
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Making a selfbow is hard. Well, I think it is probably easier once you figure it out, but figuring it out can be a big challenge. I completely stalled out on my first because I ran into a brick wall when it came to needing to heat bend it. The unfinished stave is still sitting on my bow rack as a reminder that I tried and failed. It still eats at me when I look at it.
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Originally posted by SwampRabbit View PostOkay, what is a BBO?
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The second picture actually looks real nice for Osage. Nice reflex. Doesn't appear to be a lot of propeller (twist). The holes in the sap wood won't make a difference. It does not appear to go into the heart wood. Even if it does, you will likely take off a few rings anyway. Finally, the growth rings (except that first heartwood ring) appear to be thick and evenly spaced. They look like easy rings to chase.
The backing with bamboo is an excellent suggestion, if there are issues with your staves. It will keep you from making firewood from them. That would be a waste. Even bad Osage can make a great bow with a little backing.
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