I'm making a bow

[kdc331]

I went to NE Oklahoma and attended a Cherokee bow making class back in late October. I am working on an Osage Longbow. We took the wood from a Bois D' Arch tree the instructor cut down last fall. I split the wood into several pieces. I found the growth ring and used a draw knife to whittle the stump so it looks similiar to the front of a bow. Because of deer season and me just putting it off, I'm just getting back to it. I have the front smooth and looks good. I am unsure of what I should do next. Should I cut from the back to get my limbs thickness, or to cut the sides of the stump to get my bow's width? I am also looking for advice on a good length. My draw length is 29, I'm not sure if that has anything to do with the length of a long bow. I would like to continue doing this project using the traditional Cherokee way, but the class ran out of time. Any advice?

[stikshooter]

The longer the better,less stress on the limbs.I would get a copy of The bowyers bible vol 1,Jim Hamm has a whole chapter on osage.I would like to attend one of his workshops,next time he puts one on.I wish I could help more but I am still a bowyer in the early stages.I will tell you layout is critical and that is covered pretty in depth in that book.Where abouts do you live?

[Hog_Hunter]

I have volume 1&2 of the bowyers bible if you would like to borrow them. Good luck on your bow. I have succesfully broken 14 of them as of yesterday. If ya want the books shoot me a PM.

[kdc331]

I live in Corinth. South of Denton and North of Lewisville. I think I may have vol. one. I will check and get back to you. Thanks. How are most of those bow breaking?

[kdc331]

I have "The Archer's and Bowhunter's Bible" by H. Lea Lawrence. It doesn't say anything about bowmaking. Hog Hunter, I'd like to borrow those books if you don't mind.

[Hog_Hunter]

I sent ya a PM. Sent me your name address and phone number and I will mail them out to you.

[kdc331]

PM sent.
Thanks again

[LostHawg]

I'd like to see pics when you're done.

I think no less than 66" is recommended with that draw length. Not sure though.

[chrisk]

can you take pics as you go? I want to make a bow one of these days. I have some Black walnut I want to use for the riser in my garage now and am going to be getting some Osage as well. A guy at work as bunch of starts goiong comin up on his property he said that I can have. I would love to landscape my whole yard with them. No body around knows the worth of those trees now adays.
Chris Kiefner

[kdc331]

I have a few pics that I can post on Tuesday. I'll keep you updated as I go. Thanks for the input

[chrisk]

great!!!!!!
Chris Kiefner

[kdc331]

pictures

Here are a couple of pictures of my bow in progress.

[kdc331]

In the first picture, we are splitting the Osage. In the second, I worked the draw knife to strip it down to the growth ring. Notice the wood bee burrows that made it a fun afternoon.

[kdc331]

I just got my book in. Cherokee Bows and Arrows by Al Herrin. I am stoked! It has alot of useful information.

[stoneman]

kdc I have been wanting to learn the same things you are working on.I work in aubrey maybe we can work together or you could show me some of the ropes & anything else as you go.