first off when fire hardening or heat treating hickory it better be good and dry or will check incredibly bad... every time I work my hickory bows they go back in closet .. till done.. after final tillering and shoot in... I seal with a spray varathene .. after sealed its done.. I can take it out and hunt whatever... all my bows are stored in my basement .till I decide to use one... when sealing anything you have to leave at least one side raw... so it can breathe..(ex. when sealing a stave you seal both ends and back.. you leave belly raw).. at least till completed.. and down to the moisture content you are after then you can seal it completely... it then shouldn't gain or lose any moisture... if sealed properly... gut.
