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Went yesterday and cut a hickory tree. It was in a heavily wooded area, so it was a straight tree with leaves mostly coming out up top. It wasn't a huge tree, about 10" to 12" at the base, and the leaves were just coming out and hard to see and distinguish. I say all that to say that I am almost 100% sure it was a hickory tree. Anyway, when I went to peel the bark off, it almost jumped off it was so wet. I just got my gloved hand under and edge and ran it between the bark and wood and it peeled off leaving absolutely no trace of cambium. It was so wet my leather glove was soaked with sap when I was done. As far as no trace of cambium being left, is that normal? I usually see traces of cambium on hickory bows, so it got me to doubting that I got a hickory tree.
-------------------- Formerly known as PastorHunter. Posts: 289 | From: Williamsport, IN | Registered: Jan 2007
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from what i know the cambium is from dried staves, there was a post awhile back from someone saying that the bark peels great on hickory right now. i think youll need to get the stave to rough dimensions now though and seal the back so the whole thing doesnt check, theyre best left to dry with the bark on and the ends sealed for awhile unless you work them down rough and seal to dry quicker.
-------------------- Richard Posts: 1063 | From: Heath, Ohio | Registered: Jan 2010
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After I peeled the bark, I went ahead and sealed the ends and back of each stave. I put most in my outdoor shed, which will dry slowly, and put 3 in my attic where they can dry much faster. When I get time, I'll take one down to rough dimensions and probably reseal.
-------------------- Formerly known as PastorHunter. Posts: 289 | From: Williamsport, IN | Registered: Jan 2007
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If wood is cut during the growing season the bark "slips" and releases from the wood. No cambium will remain on the wood. If it is cut during the dormant season the bark will be stuck well and when removed the cambium will stick well also. It is wet because the tree is taking up moisture to produce leaves, new cambium and buds. Some say it is not necessary to seal the back of fresh cut hickory but I seal the back of all wood when the bark comes off.
-------------------- Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes! TGMM Family of the Bow Posts: 10081 | From: Brevard, NC. | Registered: Apr 2003
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yea ive seen alot of wood split after cutting, which is why i prefer to cut in winter/early spring when the cells are closed to moisture. sealing is still needed but ive not had as bad checking as when the wood is growing again. good luck pastor.
-------------------- Richard Posts: 1063 | From: Heath, Ohio | Registered: Jan 2010
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I think most of the cambium layer comes off when you peel the bark from trees in the spring and summer. But I know that the ones I've done were perfectly white on the back when I first stripped the bark. After a day or so of drying, the back turned brown. I assume that was what was left of the cambium layer. I always have to sand and scrape the back of my hickory staves to get the brown layer off. You can leave some of it on for a nice camo effect. I haven't figured out how to get it all off when I peel the bark after cutting.
Aaron
Posts: 505 | From: West Virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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