To chase or not to chase?

[Red Arrow]

I debarked a hickory stave and need to decide if I want to chase a ring or use it as is for the back of the bow. It's 75 3/4 long x 2 3/8 wide x 2 1/4 deep. Any opinions based on the specs and these pics:

[turtle]

If the current back is in violated I would use it as is. I can't tell from the pics if there are any violation's. I have never tried to chase a hickory ring but I don't think it would be very easy.

[bradsmith2010]

how long is the bow gonna be, ,and how long your gonna draw it,, to what weight,,
if you say 100#,, at 33 inches I gonna say chase,,
if you say 45# @ 28 I gonna say use as is,,

[Red Arrow]

Max of 50# @ 26", length and style undetermined as yet

[George Tsoukalas]

You don't have to chase a whitewood ring if the back is intact. It is a waste of time and the rings are very tiny. Jawge

[Red Arrow]

Thanks for the replies. I've never used hickory before and the rings are very tiny which is why I asked for opinions on it.

The back looks good to me so I'll go with it and see how it does. If needed I can always back it with something. 😀

[George Tsoukalas]

Yes and don't worry about the furrows in the back. Just pretend that are not there. Jawge

[Red Arrow]

Thanks George. I was just looking at those trying to see the grain. 😒

[Red Arrow]

This is the only section of the back of this stave with any nicks in it all. The big nick is right at 70" from the far end of the stave.

[Bryce]

You don't need to chase a ring at all. Clean up and use as is.

[Stick Bender]

Hickory is very tuff wood  no need to chase a ring like was said , where your ding is at probably would be fine out in a fairly non working area you could always wrap it if it concerns you ,I made my first bow out of hickory with nothing more then a copy of PA magazine & a rasp , it was the most ratchet tiller & it survived still would shoot today but would be followed by a trip to the dentist..Ha!  Hickory responds well to heat treating some hickories you can run into tear out but change direction or tools & is fine  good luck with your build !

[George Tsoukalas]

That big nick can be problematic but that will be probably cut off.
Before getting into tillering be sure all nick are out and that there are no violations.
Then sand with 100 grit and then 220 grit but don't overdo the sanding.
Jawge