Red Cedar stave questions

[Keystone]

I was given a Red Cedar stave and want to build a self bow out of it. Do I leave some of the sap wood on the back and if so how much? I plan on backing this bow with raw hide, will this be ok?

[Lee in S.C.]

Eastern red Cedar is weak under tension. I'd back it and keep the backing as thin as possible.

[Mdbowman]

remember to keep it wide and it will hold up better.

[Pat B]

The sapwood on ERC has better tension qualities than the heartwood. You can leave some of the sapwood on(1/4" or so) and if you plan to back it with rawhide, don't worry about back ring violations. Like said, keep it on the wide side. Depending on your draw length and the overall bow length about 1 3/4" to 2" at the fades.   Pat

[Keystone]

Hey thanks guys.... I have had this stave for a couple of years so I figured I should try making a bow out of it. I will let you guys know how it comes out.