Elm Question???

[SLIMBOB]

This may be from the "stupid question department", but the little Elm I have worked in the past, I chased a ring on it just as I would Osage.  I don't want to do that here if I can avoid it.  I stripped the bark off this morning.  It came off in long lovely strips the length of this 8 foot stave.  It appears to me that I am looking at the cambium  and not the wood.  Will I need to scrape this down?

[bjrogg]

Looks like wood to me.
Bjrogg

[okie64]

That’s wood, you would know if it was cambium. It would be super thin darker brown strips.

[SLIMBOB]

Cool. So I’m good? 

[DC]

If it was cambium it would have turned brown by now. I usually scrub the back with a Scotchbrite or something just to get the slime off.

[PatM]

You’re good. If anything you are looking at the first hint of early wood of the new growth ring.

[SLIMBOB]

Pat, that is exactly what it is (I believe). If that will work then I’m leaving it. If I need to chase a ring I will, but I would prefer not to. Obviously.

[SLIMBOB]

DC. I will try the scotchbrite.

[Pat B]

I'd go with it as it is. Even if it is some early wood I don't think it will matter.

[PatM]

I have cut Elm a little later in the growing season and it just looked like  more of the same hints shown there.

 It doesn't make a difference unless it has built to the point that it's not a good full ring.

[SLIMBOB]

It’s a full ring tip to tip. It’s just not hardened off I guess is how I would describe it. If it will work well I will use it. Just want to make sure that I am following the best path.

[Pat B]

I prefer to cut whitewoods this early to take advantage of the long winter maturing of last years wood. Later in the year you are dealing with this years new wood but this early it would be only a few cells thick and nothing to worry about. IMO.

[SLIMBOB]

Got both halves peeled off.  I think I can get 2 longer bows and 2 -48 inch plains style bows out of the 2 pieces. Thanks Pat.  I was afraid when we cut it that it might be a bit early so far as the bark coming off easily.  It slipped right off so glad about that.  I've bound the 2 halves back together, so I'm gonna let it dry some.  They appear to be in good shape.

[DC]

Shellac the back?? You didn't say so I thought I'd mention it.

[SLIMBOB]

Done.