Hickory backing question

[Stonedog]

OK...so I have 14 backings that I traded for....nice grain and perfect thickess too!

I noticed something about them today though.....

I went down and cut an ipe core to glue up this week....it came out perfect.

I picked thru my backings....finding one that I liked and mated it up......and come to find out that the backing is curved....

By curved I mean that when you hold it (like when it lays flat on the core) that it bows a bit to the right.....kind like this :    (

Now it it not nearly that bad....

So my thought was to clamp the end and middle.....and that last offending bit....force it straight and clamp it to the core for a few days....

Then when I glue up.....use my inner tubes....then a clamp in the offending end along with the inner tube to hold it straight while the glue cures....

I will be using URAC.

[islandpiper]

Hmmm.......I would not "edge set" a backing.  That will come back to haunt you later. 

You might think about cutting the backing in half at the handle and laying the pieces on so they fit, and then fitting the junction at the handle and fitting an overlay on it. 

piper

[Stonedog]

Ahhh....good thinking!  Never thought to do that!  So easy too!

[sulphur]

when you glue that thing up with the inner tubes just make sure it lines up.  if your using a hot box the heat will help the wood conform.   i would not worry about it to much.  hickory sucks up moisture like a sponge, likely that is the culprit.

[Pat B]

Piper's idea sounds like your best bet. Trying to straighten the backing by gluing it to the core is asking for a warped or twisted bow.
  I have noticed over the years that wood has to acclimatize to the area they are in for a while before sawing. Even then you will get some movement. This it where the difference between dry wood and cured wood is so evident. With well cured wood, movement like this isn't as likely.

[Stonedog]

Just an update!

I did what Island Piper suggested....

Work liked a charm!

Small glue line at the center of the handle and that will be covered by the handle wrap!

THANKS PIPER!