Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: BrokenArrow on December 22, 2014, 03:34:01 pm

Title: Hickory Question
Post by: BrokenArrow on December 22, 2014, 03:34:01 pm
What is a better choice for hickory; wide or small growth rings?
Title: Re: Hickory Question
Post by: missilemaster on December 22, 2014, 03:38:21 pm
I've never found it mattered.
Title: Re: Hickory Question
Post by: Wooden Spring on December 22, 2014, 03:38:25 pm
When it comes to hickory, I find that just about anything works. Generally, it's easier to find the back if it's got wider (thicker) rings.
Title: Re: Hickory Question
Post by: George Tsoukalas on December 22, 2014, 03:41:33 pm
I don't think it matters. Just take off the bark and make a bow. Jawge
Title: Re: Hickory Question
Post by: BrokenArrow on December 22, 2014, 04:05:16 pm
How well does hickory take to dry heat bending for the tips?
Title: Re: Hickory Question
Post by: Pat B on December 22, 2014, 04:31:55 pm
Hickory manipulates better with steam than dry heat.
Title: Re: Hickory Question
Post by: missilemaster on December 22, 2014, 04:35:52 pm
hickory will bend with dry heat but nothing too severe.
Title: Re: Hickory Question
Post by: Springbuck on December 24, 2014, 05:00:07 pm
When it comes to hickory, I find that just about anything works. Generally, it's easier to find the back if it's got wider (thicker) rings.

This right here.  Hickory's best selling point is how tough and hard to break it is.  Make bends with steam or boiling, but also toast the belly if you want.  It does improve hickory a lot to heat treat it.
Title: Re: Hickory Question
Post by: Pat B on December 24, 2014, 05:13:53 pm
The best time to cut hickory (or any whitewood) is during the growing season. At that time of the year the there is a new layer of wood cells being laid down so the bark slips making it easy to remove without harming the wood underneath. That will be the best and strongest wood for the back of the bow. During the winter those cells is hardening off to become next spring's wood layer. I like cutting in the spring so that back ring has had all winter to mature. IMO that makes the strongest hickory bow.
Title: Re: Hickory Question
Post by: Danzn Bar on December 24, 2014, 06:08:32 pm
The best time to cut hickory (or any whitewood) is during the growing season. At that time of the year the there is a new layer of wood cells being laid down so the bark slips making it easy to remove without harming the wood underneath. That will be the best and strongest wood for the back of the bow. During the winter those cells is hardening off to become next spring's wood layer. I like cutting in the spring so that back ring has had all winter to mature. IMO that makes the strongest hickory bow.

Very well said Pat B..... :) ;)