David, I have had piggyback staves pop loose clean but not very often. Usually you have to remove a partial ring or two...sometimes you get fire wood!.
This stave was very straight grained with good sized annual rings. I believe that, and being fresh cut wood, is why it split so well.
Justin, This was frugality not greed!
Eddie, I'm glad to hear my Karma bank account is full. Wish my regular bank account was in the same shape.
Rick...I've been there more than not!
Dano, Dana, Gordon and Radius, Thanks guys. Herb is a special person to trad archery, and especially in NC and I consider him a special friend. It will be an honor to build this bow for him...so Dano, I hope the karma holds out long enough to get Herb's bow done.
The wood was cut the 8th of May. Yep, just a few weeks ago so it has some drying to do first. By reducing the stave like I have should speed it up too. When I come up with the design, I'll reduce the stave to floor tiller stage and put it in the hot box for a while. I'll keep ya'll posted about the progress. Pat