Hunting a Static Recurve Osage Bow - The Thread

Here's the thread from the Leatherwall:

      Subject: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 26-Jan-00

          Through the cajoling of The Ferret, I have decided to build a staic recurve osage online. Hope it works
          :-) Come see and offer suggestions as you see fit.
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Big Straight Bill
      Date: 26-Jan-00
 

          John,these are fun bows to build,and the early draw weight will impress you.

          What is your draw lenth,and weight???.Remember that these bows have VERY stressed limbs in that
          on 62" bow you only have 21" of working limb.I have made several with out backing,as heavy as
          70#,but the all wood static should be backed,for ultimate preformance,and durability.

          Sinew is best,and easiest to apply.I will posts some pics of a couple I have built.I think every serious
          bowyer should build one of these bows.They are time consuming,but they are the fastest things going in
          all wood,many of them if designed well enough will out shoot glass recurves of the same weight.

          Choose your BEST,clearest wood for the job.I have a jig made from a 6x6 block that I use to steam my
          ends.Remember to work the belly side of the bend to a finished ring,and leave it thick,and wide until the
          bends are made,and straightened.Avoid dry heat,opting for steam.

          Also go as short as you can.If you are pulling a full 28" 64 is ok,but I pull 27" and find 60" sweet,but that
          is me.

          Good luck my freind!!!!!!!,and I will be watching....bill
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 26-Jan-00
 

          Bill,

          I look forward to your pictures. I pull 26" and am shooting for 60-65#. This isn't the clearest wood but
          it's OK. Thin ringed though. About 18 per inch. Ratio of late to early wood is about 1:1.

          John
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Will-MO
      Date: 26-Jan-00
 

          John,

          I like your gloves....

          I'll try to make a copy of my static form tonight. I'll email tomorrow.

          Will
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Big Straight Bill
      Date: 26-Jan-00
 

          Well that's OK John,if you back it.I mean you can try it unbacked,but it's a little risky at that weight.

          On thing I forgot,if you do back it you should string it first,to get proper string alignment in the grooves.

          I tell ya what,at that weight,if it turns out you will be casting some serious speed.......bill
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: The Ferret
      Date: 26-Jan-00
 

          Ok John, this is what I've been waiting for. I want clear crisp photos now...lots of close ups. Especially
          your form and heating and bending. BTW What's with the lab coat and prophalactics on your
          fingers?????Big Straight Bill and WillMo are great teachers having a lot of experience with the statics.
          I'm not going to able to guide you with this one (like you'd take my advice ha ha ha ha)

          Man you guys get good looking pieces of Osage.I'm so jealous.
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Will-MO
      Date: 26-Jan-00
 

          John,

          Another thing.. Be real careful with that heat gun trying to get these statics bent. I would experiment a
          few times. Or steam it for 45min. Are the tips 1/2" thick and on the same growthring Back and Belly?

          Will
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: pablo/MA
      Date: 26-Jan-00

     View pablo/MA's Supporting Photo

          I posted a couple photos of a tip boiling job- ash is first string when it comes to heat bending without
          probs. Check the "MFRosa, bow, steaming pics" thread for more. Here's my clamp job.
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Will-MO
      Date: 26-Jan-00
 

          Heck Mickey, Bill has forgotten as much as I know about statics.. The most important thing to know
          about Statics, is that everyone will notice your bow at MOJAM.. ;-)
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: pablo/MA
      Date: 26-Jan-00
 

          By the way, John- is that the way that the grain ran (straight) or is that sawn out? Nice looking stave!
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Big Straight Bill
      Date: 26-Jan-00
 

          Did I miss something Will??.John,please say you ain't using a heat gun:}:}:}:}.Man the guy who taught
          me statics took a short cut,against my advise,and had a beautiful bow with several hundred shoots
          under it explode at the static.

          First time he,and I ever had an osage bow give.A pan of boiling water will do the trick,and quicker,and
          safer.

          Just some advise pal.........bill
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 26-Jan-00
 

          But I can't steam it here at work!!!!!! Maybe I'll do it tonight at home????? Save me $25 on a heat gun
          too :-) Hmmm??? I guess you'll find out tomorrow.

          Paul, that's sawn. Kerfed as in Dean's HOB.
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Will-MO
      Date: 26-Jan-00
 

          Bill, Just meant that you have built many, many statics and I've only built the one... In fact, you got me
          kick started on building mine.. Thanks...

          John, You may need a heat gun to line up the statics after you steam them..

          Will
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Big Straight Bill
      Date: 26-Jan-00
 

          John,do you have a coffee pot at work?....hehehe
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Big Straight Bill
      Date: 26-Jan-00
 

          Hey Will,I have forgotten more than I know hehehe.

          Your too kind my freind,but I will never turn down a plug at this point in my life:}:}:}.You guys keep me
          smiling.

          ......bill
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: The Ferret
      Date: 26-Jan-00
 

          "I have forgotten more than I know"....Bill, I hear that! 8~)
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: GAS
      Date: 26-Jan-00
 

          something wrong with that shop John... Where the heck are the yeller chips and saw dust... Looked all
          through them pictures and didn't see any... Now you ought to see my shop floor... It don't leave no
          doubt about what I been doing. Oh well maybe you got a broom or something... I keep meaning to get
          me one. Looks like your doing great. good luck on the static... garry..
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          Well, the jury is still out on dry heat, steam, or boiling. Give me some more input. I think I'm gonna have
          to steam this thing anyways to get rid of some of the snakes. I just can't see it lining up as it is. I'll likely
          break out the steam tube this weekend and straighten her up. I'll see where I am then and decide on the
          way I want to bend the tips.

          Bill, do you boil or steam?

          I have left the tips 1" wide with the thought that after I bend them, I can line them up easier that way. I
          read through TBB last night and really don't have a good feel for what I'm trying to accomplish by lining
          them up. I'm assuming that we try to get the tips and the handle in the same plane...right? So that
          nothing goofy happens on drawing the thing and then releasing the arrow?

          I made the bow 1" shorter so it is 63" NTN going for 60# @ 26". I haven't decided what the belly
          should look like. I have fallen in love with Torges tillering method and love the looks of a rounded belly
          and slim limbs. Since this is going to be a relatively long static, should I fear for the ability of the shorter
          working limbs to withstand the pressure and avoid set? I am going to induce about 2.5" of set with the
          steaming this weekend. I really don't want to back the thing but will if you all think it needs it. Can I put
          rawhide intead of sinew....please?????

          The way I got it figured, we have 16.5" of non working limb - 3.5" handle + 2X2.5" dips + 8" of recurve
          - so that leaves us with 46.5" of limbs to do the work. Am I thinking right? Is that enough to handle it
          without backing?

          Gottagofornow,

          John
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Armadillo
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          Will-MO; I've seen that neat little static osage you made, and I see that you only made one. So...you
          are either very good making such a fine bow on your first static try, or very lucky. True test is to make
          another one. Maybe for a nice guy who travels a lot....

          John...really appreciate the on-line approach. Love the pictures, so much more information!

          Rick
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Big Straight Bill
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          John,I boil the ends for about an hour,then place in the form and slowly bend,aligning the tip with the
          stave.The important bend is the second one.That is where alignment is made,

          By going wide you avoid twist,and make alignment easy.Yes you can use rawhide.I mean you can go
          unbacked.I have done it with success,but remember the added insurance of sinew will give you a bow
          that will live for decades.

          Here is my reason for suggesting a sinew back.I personally would not build a heavy osage bow that
          was only 51" long. A 63" static,with 6" ears is just that.If you got the time and the wood GO FOR
          IT,worse thing that can happen is you get to build a new one.

          Not a bad option huh...hehehe......Post back later,work ya know:}...................bill
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: StrongDawg§
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          Bill,

          If you boil the tips, how long do you need to wait for it to dry before you can start working it again??
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Will-MO
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          John, Sorry I didnt get a chance to trace that pattern. Maybe at lunch, I'll go home. The patter is similar
          to the pattern in TBB that Baker made and doesnt require a band of metal. The keeping the belly as
          one ring in the static area is critical during the steaming process. I have used the form with dry heat, but
          only to bend the tips a little, not a full static.

          Joe Mattingly uses dry heat, but his aren't what I would call the real deal static. The string never makes
          contact with the limbs. His are nice, but I don't think thats what you are looking for.

          You must be real carefull with the dryheat. I wouldn't try it with a real static, maybe a working recurve
          or a little tip bending, but nothing serious.. Steam for 45m to 1 hour with 1/2" thick tips and you won't
          have any trouble at all.

          Armadillo, Thanks.. It did turn out nice, didn't it. Build another.. Ha.. I wish I had time to get into my
          shop to clean it. To actually have time to work in it is a few months away...
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          Will,

          Don't sweat it, I'm likely gonna use the same idea. I've got the tips to 1/2" and strapped by rings on both
          sides. I've decided to use Bill's method, I think....:-)

          I have to keep my shop clean since it is actually at my workplace. You should see my shop/storage
          shed at home. Takes me half a day to move stuff out of the way so I can work. Dang kids have too
          many toys. I don't have room for all mine :-)

          John
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: DRT
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          John I have steam heat at work and took a stab off it just for steaming bow staves. Run it into a 3"
          stainless steel pipe with small holes on the end works great.Lance it depends on where you put it. If left
          inside probaly ok after a few days but I wait a week and test with a moisture meter. Darren
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: DRT
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          John forgot to mention thats a beautiful looking stave. Awful straight for osage sure you didn't dye a
          piece of ash yellow? Darren
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: StrongDawg§
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          THNX DiRTy...

          One more question... sorry to take away from your thread John, but you got all the selfbowers over
          hear ya greedy pig!!8^)....

          Is 4 inches reflex in the handle section TOO much for a Young/ELB style bow?? Puttin rawhide on it
          and haven't cut any length from it yet, (still about 74" long) But can I get away with that?? will some of
          it pull out?
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Keith Deters
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          Lance,

          I try to steam reflex farther out towards the tips. By reflexing just the handle you sometimes end up
          with a handle section that lies behind the limbs when strung. This makes the bow difficult to shoot
          accurately. Kinda like a built in overdraw.

          4" is a little much for my liking. Best for you to try and see what you like.
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: DRT
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          Lance what kind of wood? I just built an elm with that much reflex in a stacked elb and it kept @ 1
          1/2". You have to work some of the reflex out before stringing and it feels like a very heavy bow until
          some of the set comes out. If the reflex is even thoughout both limbs I wouldn't bother steaming. If it is
          just in the handle section steam it or will look like one of those Gull wings Quillian used to sell. Darren
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: StrongDawg§
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          It's Osage. And it's already steamed into the handle. The last one I done, I put on the same jig, it was a
          shorter bow. Like a complete dummy, I didn't take into consideration that the longer limbs would go out
          further therefore increasing the reflex distance between limbtip and handle.(sorta like a lower case u
          and a upper case U,) NO, it aint reflexed into a "U" just tryin to explain why during my brain fart it got
          so deep a reflex in it. It's a smooth flex, (no kinks or angles) Ya think since I'm looking for medium
          heavy poundage some will pull out during tillering?? you know like when you work the bow in as you
          tiller??
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: DRT
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          Lance I'm sure some will come out during tiller cant tell you how much though depends on
          length,width,thickness of limbs,weight of bow,moisture content,...and mostly the guy tillering it.I have an
          ironwood bow that had a natural reflex in the handle area, has a slight gull wing look to it. Sent Rusty an
          ash stave with a reflexed handle he says it made a nice bow. Hows that cyberbow coming anyways?
          Darren
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Mike-OK
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          John, the man that has taught me all I know about Osage, and that's not much considering I've only
          been building bows since 96, elected me to find him a piece of Osage the he could build a static Osage
          selfbow. I took him 4 or 5 staves before we started on the bow. We took it down to a good ring on the
          back and took it to floor tiller. The ends were left extra wide and a little thicker than normal. We boiled
          each tip for 30 minutes and took it right from the water to the bending jig. I worked just like he said it
          would. He has found over the years just how much you can bend the tips and will go not further. He
          has stops and all kinds of lines and clamps on his bending jig. It works like a charm. We were aiming at
          60lbs for the bow and it came out 62lbs. I will try to get a photo of it with the digital camera and post it.
          It's a beauty. It was sure interesting when we were tillering it. You just don't have the limb length to
          work with like you would with a regular self bow with full straight limbs. That was the hardest thing for
          me. Good luck with the bow. I will post as soon as I get the photo. Mike Norman, OK
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: StrongDawg§
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          DiRTy,

          SSHH!! I'm tillerin...

          JOHN,

          Are you going to like wrap sinew at the bends?? Or are they not going to be that extreme??
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          Darren,

          I wish it were that straight. Those straight lines are actually just kerfs done w/ a circ. saw to help me
          split the thing.

          Lance,

          I'm not gonna back it or wrap it. I've decided to be a man and play a little dangerous-hehehe. Heck,
          I've got plenty of wood and can always get more. Lucky me!!!!!!

          Haven't had a chance to work on her today since I was stuck in an all day meeting including a 2 hour
          working lunch!!!! Dontcha hate when work gets in the way of play?

          John
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: StrongDawg§
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          So you're not going to do anything other than just recurve the tips right?? OK.. I wanna watch and
          learn how to do this so get to it...

          One question.. when does it turn from a longbow to a recurve?? I mean how much bend do you have to
          put into it?? And how do you keep from pullin it out?? Is there a particular or different way to tiller a
          static tipped bow??
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: The Ferret
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          Lance, the old way to tell was if the string only touched the tips it was considered a straight end
          longbow. If the string touches the limb anywhere else, it's a recurve. But we've sorta bent the rules
          since that rule was made up.
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          I'm gonna recurve the last 4-5" at about a 40 degree angle. I think.....

          I'll keep ya up to date. Gotta build my form now.
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: StrongDawg§
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          OKJ thnx Mickey...

          But the reflex I steamed into the riser of that first little bow I built pulled out. The tip reflexes didn't, but
          the riser back set did... how do ya keep it from happening??
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Will-MO
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          40?... That aint no stinkin static. Crank it to 60.... ;-)

          Whatever you do, test it with a piece of scrap first..

          Will
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: RonAL
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          John,

          I've got a static tip osage takedown that I made last summer. My mentors philosophy on static tips is
          make them thick at the bend and narrow to the tips. Here's the measurements of my tips.

          Thickness at the bend is 3/4 in. Width at the bend is 1/2 in.

          Thickness at the tip is 5/16 in. Width at the tip is 3/8 in.

          He says that by making the static curve thick and narrow you reduce weight/mass at the tips.

          Makes a sweet shooting bow.

          Ron Harris
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Richard Saffold
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          John, I am glad you are steaming it-use that heat gun only if you have to straighten them tips up. I like
          to boil them for a reallongggg time, and have that form right next to the where you are boiling so you
          can quickly get the tip into the form. Will is right on- try a practice piece to see how it bends, and bend
          it to 60. You are going through all this work them extra 20 deg. will more that be worth it. It's a bit like
          choreography; the practice will make you more comfortable for the real thing.Can't wait to see the pics.

          Rich bent a few myself Saffold
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: DRT
      Date: 27-Jan-00
 

          Lance need to leave it thicker at the riser. Darren
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Rusty Craine
      Date: 27-Jan-00

     View Rusty Craine's Supporting Photo

          It's gonna be a osage sinew backed recurve. It's got 3" of reflex distributed along the course fo the
          limbs. Working handle. I built a form to steam the whole bow then put in reflex and recurves at the
          same time. didn't have enough hands. Now I do 'em one at a time.

          Rusty

          ps dang I hope I remembered the name of the graphics
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Dale Holmstrom
      Date: 28-Jan-00
 

          John; You can use steam and the heat gun when bending the recurves. Steam heat the tips for an hour,
          and if they aren't really bending well, put the tip in the jig and get out the heat gun. Apply heat evenly on
          the curved area while holding and applying some tension to the bow limb in the other hand. You should
          feel the wood begin to "give". Keep applying heat until you reach your form. I'm a rookie at
          this(finishing a sinew-backed yew right now), but it worked for me when my patience was at its end
          while steaming the wood.

          Dale .......
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: The Ferret
      Date: 28-Jan-00
 

          Rusty, really good picture!!!John notice quality of picture he he he, that Rusty's becoming quite the
          bowyer, and he's so prolific. Wish I had that kinda time...and talent.
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 28-Jan-00
 

          Ron, now you tell me :-) It's already down to 1/2" so we're going with that - OK! hehehe

          Y'all notice how just about everything I say is actually a question on this thread...thanks for all the
          answers.

          Will; Richard, 60 degrees huh? That's a lot. Might split the difference :-)

          Practice hell, all this is practice. There ain't no game that I'm unaware of is there. Sheese I'm getting
          graded and didn't even know it - kiddin of course!

          Rusty, good pic. Gives me some ideas.

          Mickey, I'm making my form today at lunch (you'll get you bloody pictures) unless I decide to go work
          out - naaaa!

          Keep the faith,

          John
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Rusty Craine
      Date: 28-Jan-00

     View Rusty Craine's Supporting Photo

          Ferret - heat up the glue pot, too dang cold for this weather wimp Rebal to venture out.

          John - at least with pecan that steel (but very bendable) strap has saved me from a lot of picked growth
          rings on the belly. This is my first recurved osage too. So I'm not much help to ya. Recurves adds a
          little speed to 'em pecans though. I kinda like 'em.
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 28-Jan-00
 

          Rusty, that bow looks a lot like another osage static (sorta) that I made. It's 51" NTN, bend in the
          handle, 30 degree tips for about 3" per tip. It still needs sinew but it'll scream when I'm done w/ it. How
          long is that bow? I recurved mine mostly just to keep the string on.
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: StrongDawg§
      Date: 28-Jan-00
 

          Dang Rusty.. Thats looks short... how long is it??
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Rusty Craine
      Date: 28-Jan-00
 

          Bow is 53&1/2" tip to tip. As I recall Brad's pink death is just 52". I was tring to get one in the speed
          ball park of his sreamer. He put four course of sinew on it but his osage base sure seems thinner than
          mine. If your going for 65 to 70 # after sinew I wonder what ya want to start with?

          Rusty
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 28-Jan-00
 

          OK Rusty, you make yours and I'll make mine. We'll have Brad bring Pink Death to MO and we'll
          have a shoot off. I'm gonna put 3 thin courses of sinew on mine. Tips are gonna be super narrow and
          thick. 3/8" wide X 1/2" thick tapering down to nothing. Shooting for 60#. This bow is gonna test the
          limits of sinew and osage I hope :-) I ain't painting it pink though! Blue neither! :-)
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Will-MO
      Date: 28-Jan-00
 

          John, I have the outline of my form. I'll get it scanned and email it..

          Will
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Will-MO
      Date: 28-Jan-00
 

          Dale H, Its good to see you on here.. How are you doing?

          email me sometime.. will@jsa.com
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: StrongDawg§
      Date: 28-Jan-00

     View StrongDawg§'s Supporting Photo

          Brad Smiths' Lady of the flame...

          AKA, BraD BoWs' PinK DeaTH!!
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 28-Jan-00

     View John Scifres's Supporting Photo

          I made up my form. Go to the link for the pictures. Thanks Will!
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Will-MO
      Date: 28-Jan-00
 

          John,

          The only problem you may have is not being able to apply the clamp to the static tip on your form.. You
          need to clamp the tip down, or the wood won't bend as sharply as you want. At least thats what
          happend to me the first time. Glad you could use the form outline.

          Will
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: WOODBOW
      Date: 28-Jan-00
 

          Hope I can keep up with you guys. I am trying to build an osage recurve too. There is an awful lot of
          information going on here, almost to much to collect during my lunch time. Let me know when the
          movie comes out.
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 28-Jan-00
 

          Will, I'm not clear on what you mean. Do you mean I should try to be able to clamp somewhere along
          the bend tight to the form in addition to holding the unbent portion tight to it?

          I put up some shots of the shaped bow (?). It's a little snaky and I've got one knot that had to stay in. It
          was punky so all we really had was a hole. I filled it in w/ sawdust and superglue.

          See ya all next week.
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Will-MO
      Date: 28-Jan-00
 

          John,

          If you look at my drawing. It shows the spots where I apply a clamp. I use three. 1. on the static
          recurve a few inches above the bend. 2. After the bend. 3. 5" from the bend on the limb.

          Thats just what seemed to work for me.

          Will
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: The Ferret
      Date: 28-Jan-00
 

          John, I think Will means you have to clamp it like Rusty did in his supporting graphic of 27-Jan-00 above
          which shows clamps banding and osage tip.If you don't clamp it, it won't dry that way, will try and
          straighten out.
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Rusty Craine
      Date: 28-Jan-00

     View Rusty Craine's Supporting Photo

          Ah Oh, John you and the osage won this round. I had a pin cluster right in the apex of that recurve. I
          knew I was ask'n for to much luck to get a curve there. I scarfed a patch over the problem, canvas
          backed the bow and sinewed the patch. I put some tie on nocks on it an put it on the scale. 64#@26".
          Gonna to let it dry a bit more and final tiller it after I shoot it some.

          I didn't want to take a chance ruin'n that much sinew. It'll hold together with a canvas back. Make a
          nice shooter.....of course I was wnata a fire breather. Next one :0)!

          Rusty

          PS thanks for sharing your thread with me. I really enjoy your quests and have learn a lot.
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 29-Jan-00
 

          Not so fast Rusty, check the page, I had a couple problems bending mine also.

          I think I can rasp them out since I left the thing so wide and they are on the edges but I don't know yet.
          Back later.

          I didn't have any trouble with the curves trying to come out...the form worked perfectly.
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 29-Jan-00

     View John Scifres's Supporting Photo

          I was able to pretty much get rid of the problems, I think. I have plenty of wood left 1/2" wide X 1/2"
          thick after reasping and cleaning them up. I also tried to correct the misalignment and got a little closer.
          It seems I lost a little recurve while doing so though. The photo is is the diagram Will Mo sent me for
          my form. As you can see, I lost about 15 degrees of bend. I guess I should of held the bend in while I
          was realigning them.. I need to know if I should try to get it back when I keep aligning the tips??????
          At least the loss is even on both limbs.
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: gunsmith mo.
      Date: 29-Jan-00
 

          that is about where mine is at might need to go a littel more. loyd
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: RonAL
      Date: 29-Jan-00
 

          John,

          Assuming you haven't stressed the tips you will probably be OK to try to get some of your bend back
          into them. I usually don't worry to much about aligning the tips until tillering is finished and final shaping
          of the tips begin. Use dry heat when aligning the tips. If you steam them again you will lose some of
          your bend.

          Ron
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Stephen H
      Date: 29-Jan-00
 

          I hope you guys make it to Mobowjam this year so I can thank you in person for all I learn on your
          threads. For now thanks a 1,000,000 Stephen H
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 29-Jan-00
 

          I used a heat gun to move the tips over. I'll take your advice Ron and leave them as is until I've tillered
          it unless I decide to get some of the curve back.

          Don't worry Stephen, I'll be there!

          John
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: The Ferret
      Date: 30-Jan-00
 

          John, good stuff as always. Keep us informed.
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 31-Jan-00

     View John Scifres's Supporting Photo

          Here she is in current state. I've got her bending a little and am now seriously considering sinew. I
          heard a little click when I first floor tillered her and this wood is so light. Might have to lay down a
          couple courses. I have some processed for another bow. This one might just have to borrow it though
          :-)
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Will-MO
      Date: 31-Jan-00
 

          John,

          Your link is to the Torges bow, not the static...

          To align the tips, I keep it in the form and use the heat gun.

          The first time I bent the tips, I didnt like the results so, I steamed them again and did it over. NO
          PROBLEM... I'd steam it and try it again...

          I will say that aligning the tips is the biggest pain in the butt, however you will get through it and love
          these static bows.

          Will
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 31-Jan-00

     View John Scifres's Supporting Photo

          Oops!
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 31-Jan-00

     View John Scifres's Supporting Photo

          I got a string on it...drawn about an inch :-)
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Will-MO
      Date: 31-Jan-00
 

          ouch.. That hinge in the upper limb needs some tending to asap. More bend near the handle and into the
          dips if you can.. Squeeze every inch of working limb out of her.

          I take it you aren't going to rebend the limbs? It will still be a fine shooter anyway...

          Will
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 01-Feb-00

     View John Scifres's Supporting Photo

          Got a couple more photos up of it drawn a little. I'm working that lil' hinge out :-) I'm getting to the point
          where I need to decide if I'm gonna go for this as is or put some sinew on it...????? Oh these tough life
          decisions. Here's where she is now.
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Will-MO
      Date: 01-Feb-00
 

          John,

          If your back is clean, I wouldn't mess with Sinew. If there is some question, then maybe one fine
          course to hold things together.. But then again, you never know..

          Will
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: The Ferret
      Date: 01-Feb-00
 

          John, what are the differences you've noticed so far in the static and the straight end?
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Will-MO
      Date: 01-Feb-00
 

          John, Be real aware about that early draw weight. It feels like the bow is going to be 70 pounds, but
          that flattens out after the first 10 inches of draw. Keep a scale handy and measure that thing often.

          Will
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 01-Feb-00
 

          Mickey,

          So far, the most glaring difference is that you better have the string centered in the handle or it'll flip on
          ya. This one's about between center and edge on the left side and I gotta grip it hard to keep it from
          twisting around.

          Will,

          Thanks. I can already tell the difference at the little I'm pulling it. It feels great when that string lifts off.
          I'm pretty sure I'm gonna back it.

          A new friend, Steve Russell, brought one of Bill McNeal's statics in to show me at lunch time. Sinew
          backed...very cool looking. I'm gonna have to do it. Steve got it from Bill because he was a poor
          college student. Hmmm, I'm a poor college employee, does that qualify???? The one thing that
          surprised me was that it only had about 35 degrees of bend. I hope mine turns out as nice. Bill gets
          great speeds out of his I hear. What did yours clock out at at MO, Will?

          I'm really starting to like this bow :-)
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Will-MO
      Date: 01-Feb-00
 

          John,

          According to those crazy results.. Mine had the following stats.

          61.75" 45@27" 152fps .75 reflex Midlimb width of 1.5

          I would had better speed if I could have kept more reflex, made it a little more narrow and shot while
          running forward...

          It shoots pretty flat and I'm very happy with the results. Joe Mattingly has some real fast Semi Static
          bows. Stats from one of his Semi-statics was as follows.

          67.25" 57@28" 173fps Straight, no reflex 1.31" wide at midlimb.

          Will

          Hope this helps you a little.
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 02-Feb-00
 

          I changed the format of the page to hopefully make the changes in tiller show up a little better. I'm still
          wavering on the sinew. Thought I'd at least tiller it to make sure the hinges and flats were gone and
          even up the limbs. I'll decide on the sinew later :-)
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 02-Feb-00

     View John Scifres's Supporting Photo

          Shoulda added a link to Page 2
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: The Ferret
      Date: 02-Feb-00
 

          Dang John if that's not the coolest way to post pictures yet. Glad one of us is smart and the other's
          good looking. 8~)
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: pablo /MA
      Date: 02-Feb-00
 

          Ferret- if you ever want to see how someone made an effect on a site, go to "view", then "source". I
          guess I just gave away John's secrets ;o)
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: The Ferret
      Date: 02-Feb-00
 

          Pablo, where's that??? View then source??????By the way I asked you on another thread how to
          control the size of a picture to be posted, but lost where I asked you and never got the answer.
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Will-MO
      Date: 02-Feb-00
 

          John,

          Looking good. The upper limb could probably bend more near the handle. Looks a little stiff for the first
          6-8 inches.

          What does the relaxed profile look like. How much reflex is still with it. Also, how is the weight holding
          up?

          This is awesome.. Since I can't make anytime to get in the shop lately, this is the next best thing..
          Thanks John..

          Will
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: The Ferret
      Date: 02-Feb-00
 

          Pablo, found it View up in my toolbar then scroll down to source.ha ha ha it all looked like Greek or
          something except for John's comments...sorry I asked 8~)
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: pablo /MA
      Date: 02-Feb-00
 

          Ferret- I can't remember where I responded either- To reduce file size when scanning, choose a lower
          dpi, or resolution. To reduce an already scanned (or digital cam picture)

          Open it in MS Photo Editor (probably came free with PC). Other programs may work similarly. Go to
          "file"- "save as". Choose a new file name and a location- go to the "more" button at the bottom of the
          box. Choose a "jpg quality factor"- the lower the quality, the lower the res/size. Choose OK, then close
          the program.

          Check the size in the folder that you saved it to, and open it there (you closed it so that it would be the
          new version when re-opened) to see if it looks OK. If not , reopen the original, go through the
          procedure, and choose a different quality factor.

          If you have a different photo editor, just go to "help" and search for "resolution" or changing resolution
          or something. there may also be a resolution option on one of the tabs.
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 02-Feb-00
 

          Ferret,

          Thanks! Sometimes I even amaze myself :-)

          What Paul means is that you can see the actual HTML coding for any webpage by going to the "View"
          menu (at the top of your page) in Netscape or IE and then choose "Page Source" in Netscape or
          "Source" in IE and see it. It's very confusing even to me. I just use Netscape's Composer to make my
          websites...much easier. All I did for the Static page was put them into a table. Kinda neat how it looks
          almost like you can watch the effect of tiller change though (if I can hold the bow straight).

          If you want to resize a picture, you need some kind of software that'll do it. I use Microsoft Image
          Composer and the software that came w/ my cameras called Kodak Photoenhancer. There are a lot of
          them. There are even some shareware or free ware versions you can download from the web. If you
          ever want a picture resized, just email it to me and I'll do it for ya...free even :-)

          Will-MO,

          Glad I can help. I had my two li'l ones helping me with this bow this weekend. Emily, my 4 yo, really
          loved watching the sawdust roll off the bow. She got so into it that she picked up "Ole Nasty" my
          meanass rasp and got to work on the back while I was preoccupied with hitting my line to make
          thickness. I caught her quick enough that there was no serious damage but it did leave a mark or two
          :-) James, 2 yo, just kept catching his forehead on the tip when he walked by. Good thing I got two so I
          can blame the scars on the other one. Works for farts too when the dog ain't around :-)

          It's showing some set...1"??? Hard to tell w/ the curves. I never did induce any reflex in it. Might pay
          for that with some speed but I can always do it if I sinew it. I waffling like hell on doing that ain't I.

          Keep the faith,

          John
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: The Ferret
      Date: 02-Feb-00
 

          Hey John, I thought it was particularly neat how you changed the sleeve colors on your bow arm 3 or 4
          times in about 1 1/2 hours. You been watching the hosts at those award shows on TV or something 8~)
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Buz
      Date: 02-Feb-00
 

          I noticed that, too, Ferret. Musta been a food fight at lunch. :-)

          I'm really enjoying what your doing too, John. Thanks for sharing.

          Composer does all that, huh? I wish I wasn't so sick an' tired of computers by the time I get home at
          night.
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: Richard Saffold
      Date: 02-Feb-00
 

          John, Nice sequence of pictures, I don't know how much farther you have gotten.You might want to
          make the top limb the bottom limb because of how the lower limb was hinging in those pictures. I don't
          know if your lower limb is shorter or not, but the stress on the lower limbs is higher than the upper
          especially on short recurve types. I mention this because I think it will improve your chances of success
          with your bow. i will be looking for your next thread. keep it up-you are doing good! rich.
 

      Subject: RE: Hunting A Static Osage Bow
      From: John Scifres
      Date: 03-Feb-00
 

          Mickey/Buz,

          Didn't y'all know I moonlight during lunch not only as a bowyer but also in a very old trade that requires
          lots of clothing changes. Whaddya think I had those rubber gloves on for earlier in the page :-) Safe
          bowyery, that's what I say!

          Richard,

          I guess I see what you mean about the hinge in the lower limb but it's not really there or at least not as
          bad as it appears. There is a huge knot right where it looks like it's hinging. It is a little flat right at the
          handle also and I'm working on that next. The top limb is 1.5" longer so i can't flip it.

          Thanks,

          John

Go to Tillering a Static Recurve for the rest of the story.



Copyright John Scifres, 1999
Home
If you have comments or suggestions, email me at jdscif01@gwise.louisville.edu