cutting hickory question

[TroyH]

If you cut hickory, how long do you have before the bark won't peel off easily?
The reason for asking is, I plan to cut some hickory in the next week or two, but I may not have time the same day to get its bark peeled.
Also, what are some good things used to seal the back while drying?

[SELFBOW19953]

The bark peels off very easily this time of year, even after 2 or 3 days.  I wouldn't wait too long, the borers will ruin a hickory log if you wait a few weeks.

[freeman]

It's when you cut it, not how long you wait before you debark it. Winter cut will be harder to strip than when the sap is flowing...

[TroyH]

Yes, I realize that, that's why I've waited to cut any.  I just don't know that once I get it cut that I'll be able to debark it the same day.  We've got leaves coming out on most trees now, so I think the sap is beginning to flow pretty good.

What about sealing the back...what do most people use?

[Pat B]

You should be able to get away with a few days to a week if the log is off the ground and in a protected place. The longer the bark stays on the better chance of bored but also rot getting into the wood. It is the job of the fungi to break down wood and in whitewoods it doesn't take long to get infected.
  I use spray shellac to seal all wood staves, backs and ends. It is easy to use, seals well and easily removed later if wanted. Others use carpenters glue(TB, Elmer's, etc)but they are harder to remove later. Some folks don't seal whitewood backs at all and generally with good results. For me it ain't worth the risk.

[crosseye]

hi pastor

i cut some last may and literally got the bark off two seven foot logs in under a minute...it literally jumps off the log that time of year. no tools needed...i just pulled it off with my hands.  

stan

[barley40]

You had some good replies already. I've done a lot of hickory and usually wait a long long time to debark but I spray the bark with insecticide. There's a technique to getting the bark off after drying a while but that doesn't mean it will be easy. I guess it might be better to go ahead and debark and put the Elmers to it. I have been known to paint the back to prevent checking while drying.