Dear Neanderbuddies,

I'm finally going to build a Grammercy bow saw.
After much procrastination/deliberation, I bought a split bow stave billet of Osage Orange off ebay from a tree cut down in january.
The bow saw will be for fine-cutting out profiles for my guitar/ukulele soundboards/backs.

Any tips on working the stuff?

I was thinking of milling it with my bandsaw to rough shape and planing it with my Mujingfang high angle smoother. I also have a safety planer and drill press, or router than I can use. (I know--this is the neander forum, and I'm trying to use power tools to make a hand tool--so that I can avoid using power tools :P)

Is this a really bad idea?

From all accounts, Osage is tougher than a devil's bum.
I'm a bit apprehensive working the stuff, but want to do it before it gets all seasoned.

-Matt
ps. I was thinking of making an extra bowsaw or two for luthier buddies.