chasing a ring on hickory

[Lee Lobbestael]

How do you guys chase a ring on hickory? The difference in early in late wood is so miniscule it makes it really hard for me to do. I have some staves and underneath the bark there is bug damage so I need to chase a ring

[Art B]

The differences between the hickory rings are more striking than one would think Lee. Or at least on the hickory I've used. It's late wood looks clean/clear where as the seperation between rings looks much like striations or bamboo power fibers. Once you pick up on the differences you'll zip right through a ring. Just have a tool handy like a goose neck scraper to use in the low spots. Hope that helped. ART

[George Tsoukalas]

I have had to a few times. The rings are small so take you time. Keep a rounded scraper handy as Art said. Jawge

[frank bullitt]

Like Art says, looks alot like the bamboo fibers.

What helps me, is direct sunlight, nothing beats it! If you have some scrap pieces, or belly splits, practice chasing a ring with that. Helps also getting the feel for different tools.