Removing Winter Bark and Cambium with Power Washer

[PatM]

If they were dry first I wouldn't worry about sealing them. Then you're just adding a layer of stuff that you might not want as your final finish. Be a shame to have pristine backs and then have to scrape off poly. That would be the end off all those swirls and ridges that you were trying to preserve in the first place. 

[Springbuck]

I just eyeball it. You can simply use a chalk or glue on a paper pattern.
[/quote]

AWESOME!  I did this just like that once, except I used pushpins to hold on a paper pattern while I band-sawed!  I got the idea from those pump[kin carving patterns you see these days.  I still usually remove the bark, though.

You got it right Pat.  I usually remove elm and whatever bark that is stuck on pretty good by the shower method, scraping the wet bits off with dull tools is I have to like a butterknife.  But, those close ups of the ropey grain on the BACKS of those HHB staves, especially are some of the most character I've ever seen on a back.  Looks really cool, and I'd hate to lose that, myself.

[Eric Krewson]

I have a power washer and tried it a few years ago on some firewood to see how it stripped the bark off. I have two settings on my washer, seems like I used the higher one (2500psi) and it would cut the wood like a knife leaving a splintery mess. I don't think I tried the low setting because it is pretty weak.

[osage outlaw]

Shellac would probably be a better option than polyurethane.  If I had to choose between dealing with a sealer and drying cracks, I'd take the sealer.

[BowEd]

+1 about shellac.Anything will stick to it.In fact I've alcohol dyed the backs of hickory with like type backs shellaced  then lightly sanded the high ridges off leaving a cool looking camoflauged back.Then put any type finish on it to seal it.
Shellac is all I ever use to seal backs and ends.Excellent success with it.Dries quick too.This time of year into the winter wood will dry rather slowly on its' own too.You should'nt end up with any drying checks at all on your staves.

[PatM]

I meant more that already dried whitewood isn't prone to cracking if allowed to get externally wet and then dry again. Not soaked through mind you.
 

[Orrum]

Wsy good info here#!!   I love this idea!!!

[bjrogg]

Thanks Orrum, I stained a sealed backs. They look really nice but I haven't made a bow from one yet. I still don't see any damage just a bit of cambium threads here and there I missed
Bjrogg

[MulchMaker]

Bjrogg when you do wind up making A bow out of one of those staves if you remember could you mention it was one of the pressure washed staves? I'd like to see how it turns out.
Thanks -Zach

[bjrogg]

Just a quick update. I got 2 bows shooting from that winter harvested HHB I removed Bark and cambium from with power washer. I can't tell difference between them and summer harvested HHB that cambium slips off of. Here some pictures. Just got them shooting nothing fancy but at least something to look at.
Bjrogg

[Stick Bender]

Great looking bows & squeaky clean to boot congrats !

[Danzn Bar]

great looking bows BJ....
DBar

[bjrogg]

Thanks Stick, thanks Dbar, They around 50@25. I think the one is gonna be for my daughter in law and other for my buddy.
Bjrogg

[selfbow joe]

Nice looking bows

[scp]

Looks great. How about a photo of front profile? Thank you.