Primitive bow

[briandean]

I started my first primitive bow from a branch.  So far so good - for me.  However, I totally forgot to take off the bark on the back and am about to start tillering.  Is it necessary?  If so, what is the best way, as the bark is well and truly stuck to the wood?

[Pat B]

With some woods the bark is OK to keep on a selfbow but in most cases(and I would suggest) you are better off taking the bark off. The problem being that it is more brittle and has less structure than the wood. When it bends it will crack across the back and that crack will travel down into the wood.
  A draw knife works best to remove the bark but you can remove it with a scraper also. You will have to remove not only the bark but the cambium below that. On some woods the cambium is quite thick and on others very thin.

[briandean]

Thanks Pat B. Makes sense the way you explain it.