Bark-on sapling?

[okie64]

I got this sapling thats been drying for a little over a year now and was thinking about tryin to make a bow from it leavin the bark on. Its 2" wide across the back and I think its hackberry( not exactly for sure on that). It has quite a few knots so I thought if I could leave the bark on that would save a lot of work. The side thats up in the pics would be the back because Im thinkin the crown is too high on the other side. With that side up it would have about 2" of deflex, but I figure I could heat that out. Will leavin the bark on work or should I peel it off?
 

[George Tsoukalas]

Tough call. I've never had any success leaving the bark on. Removing it can be tough. If you are going to do so use a scraper like tool to lessen the chance of violating the ring under it. Jawge

[okie64]

Thanks for the input George. I think I'll try it leavin the bark on. If it doesnt work, I probably wont try it again.