moisture content for hickory stave

[horatio1226]

What is the target moisture content for making a bow from a stave of hickory? Thanks

Brian

[Minuteman]

Low. Some folks shoot for 8% others won't start messing with it til 6%.I think 8% is plenty low. I have had the ultra low ones explode on me. It takes a long time to get hik moisture down and it sponges up water pretty quick. So ya gotta ride herd on the MC.
 Go slow and post pics when yer done.

[Shaner]

Hickory can be quite a bit lower than other woods, and should be. It sucks up moisture fast and tries to hold on to it. Anything under probably 8-9 % and 6% being just about ideal. Hickory is very tough wood and you'll hear that it can be sluggish but if you get it dry enough it will perform as good as any wood.
Shane

[ishiwannabe]

Itching to start a new one already?  

[Eric Krewson]

The bottom line is this. You can dry hickory to 6%, make a bow, apply finish to the bow and the M/C will gradually climb to the ambient M/C in your area. Here in north Alabama that is 12%. Keeping your bow in a low moisture area like a house with AC may keep the bow drier, longer.