Hickory Rings

[Piddler]

Fellas,
I have never worked Hickory and need some advice. Should I go down to the darker rings or just start under the cambium.
Thanks in advance.
Piddler

[Pat B]

Use what's under the bark if you can easily access it. What time of year was it cut? If summer you might be able to peel the bark off in one piece, if not then you'll need a draw knife and some elbow grease. 

[Allyn T]

I would use what's right under the bark, those are two good rings right at the top

[Hawkdancer]

I used the bark off back as is.  Added a "Meare Heath" style rawhide wrap.
Hawkdancer

[Piddler]

Thanks for the replies fellas. Just under the bark it is.
Pat it is an old stave so no peeling this one without any elbow grease. I actually have the bark off, except for a dip in it, and working on the cambium layer.
Allyn T, Yes the first two seem good but my first with hickory so thanks for the input.
Hawkdancer, I'll have to check into the Meare Heath style wrap. Not familiar with it.
Probably have some more questions later on but for now thanks again.
Piddler

[gutpile]

where you are located has a HUGE amount of influence on how to treat hickory... first off use back under bark no need to chase a ring.. if out west get to at minimum under 12% or it will take set 9 % is better but not under 8% too dry...... if in South or anywhere with high humidity it is a challenge...will not get below 15% outside no matter how long it sits... must be roughed out and put in controlled climate for at least 6 months.. getting hickory dry enough before tilling is critical to making hickory as good as osage.... it is much lighter in hand than osage and every bit as fast when done right...gut

[DC]

Just out of curiosity does anyone know why Hickory is so hygroscopic? Must be some chemical responsible.

[gutpile]

good question that I have no answer for... I know bamboo is pretty much the same way... pecan too I would imagine... however I have yet to fool with pecan... gut

[DC]

I did a google search but got no joy.

[RyanY]

I've never seen any concrete evidence that Hickory is actually more hydroscopic than other wood species. When looking up numbers on wood movement compared to other commonly used bow woods, hickory has more movement than other woods at higher moisture levels so that might have something to do with it.

[gutpile]

having worked hickory numerous times I can firmly stand by it is just a sponge when it comes to moisture... and it will take set easily above 12% ... when below 12% not below 8% it is as good as osage. IMO...it will not get below 15% no matter how long it sits outside in the south..I have had roughed out bows sit in barn for over 8 years and not drop below 15 %.. dang bugs got to them before they would get dry... all my hickory bows spent at least 6 months in a heated closet space...  gut

[Allyn T]

having worked hickory numerous times I can firmly stand by it is just a sponge when it comes to moisture... and it will take set easily above 12% ... when below 12% not below 8% it is as good as osage. IMO...it will not get below 15% no matter how long it sits outside in the south..I have had roughed out bows sit in barn for over 8 years and not drop below 15 %.. dang bugs got to them before they would get dry... all my hickory bows spent at least 6 months in a heated closet space...  gut

What do you use to seal your hickory bows and how do you keep them dry for years after finished

[bassman]

Allyn T  watch Keith Shannon on utube on fire hardening white woods, and listen to his claims. You may want to give that a shot. I have 2 Hickory green bows on forms right now to experiment with fire hardening  using his method. It is raining , but when we get some dry weather I am going to fire harden those 2. I have tried Walnut ,and Elm so far, but can make no real claims yet.

[Allyn T]

Allyn T  watch Keith Shannon on utube on fire hardening white woods, and listen to his claims. You may want to give that a shot. I have 2 Hickory green bows on forms right now to experiment with fire hardening  using his method. It is raining , but when we get some dry weather I am going to fire harden those 2. I have tried Walnut ,and Elm so far, but can make no real claims yet.

Wasn't there a big uproar on here a few years ago about this? People were saying it was just like Marc's heat treating method? I'll check out the video.

[Allyn T]

That was a cool video, I can't believe how fast they made that bow. Dear lord you can tell when someone knows what they are doing