Need advice on hickory backing

[Stickhead]

I’d like to try cutting some hickory backings from some surplus staves, and I’m not sure what characteristics are best.  Here are some considerations:

1) is heartwood or sapwood better?
2) is it best to cut quartersawn so that endgrain lines extend down the strip?
3) if cut as above, is run-off a problem?
4) how thick (1/8”?)?
5) how can you test it prior to use (just bending the heck out of it?)?
6) if the stave I’m ripping is twisted, is this a problem due to violating the vertical grain?

Thanks for any wisdom y’all can share.

…Tom

[Pat B]

1, sapwood
2, edge or bias grain are the best but I've used flat grain also.
3, some runoff is ok as long as it isn't too steep.
4, I cut them at 3/8" and after dressing both sides they end up about 1/8" or slightly less.
5, knowing the stave you cut the strips from is sound should be good enough. If the stave was mishandled off the stump the backing strip could be compromised.
6. if the runoffs are not too steep the backing strip should be ok.

[Stickhead]

1, sapwood
2, edge or bias grain are the best but I've used flat grain also.
3, some runoff is ok as long as it isn't too steep.
4, I cut them at 3/8" and after dressing both sides they end up about 1/8" or slightly less.
5, knowing the stave you cut the strips from is sound should be good enough. If the stave was mishandled off the stump the backing strip could be compromised.
6. if the runoffs are not too steep the backing strip should be ok.

Thanks, Pat!  Always a wealth of information!

[PEARL DRUMS]

I echo Mr. Brennan's comments. I would suggest testing them before glue up. Bend them suckers in a circle. They will either snap or hold up. Bad hickory breaks quickly and good hickory doesn't break.

[Pat B]

  Pearlie got it!

[Stickhead]

Good to know!

[superdav95]

Pat and pearl gave great advise.  Only other thing I’ve done in addition to this is a slight temper of the belly of the slat.  Make sure it good and dry before you do this or it will get checks.  I do this with boo slats too for backings. It may develop a slight rounding of the belly after you do temper but grind flat again and your off to the races.  Don’t overdo the tempering to char. It’s more like a mild heat treatment.  Remember it’s very thin won’t take much.  I use radiant heat source for this.  Not a heat gun.   I find it improves performance.  Test it out after tempering like pearl says bend it and make sure it’s got good flex.  Best of luck.