Hickory Tree?

[Roadking71865]

I just cut down what I think is a hickory tree for my first self bow.  The tree was Tall, thin etc.  However, the inner barck is a really bright orange/ red color and directly underneath the bark appears to be a good layer of spring (white) wood which I believe needs to be removed down to the heart wood to establish the back of the bow.  The reason I am asking the question is I thought that after you removed the bark from any hickory tree that was the back and there was no spring wood to remove.  Lastly, do I need to glue all the ends if I keep them in a cool dark place while drying?  Thanks,

[PEARL DRUMS]

That colored stuff is the cambium. It stayed put because the sap is mostly down and it doesnt peel off with the bark now. Direclty under the cambium is this years growth ring, thats your back. The heartwood will all be gone odds are. Always seal all ends of all staves no matter where you store them, unless of course you cut them 8' long and checks wont matter.

[Roadking71865]

What should I seal the ends with?  I have a lot to do.

[PEARL DRUMS]

I use old deck sealer myself. Urethane, white glue, or old paint will work.

[Red Tailed Hawk]

The back of the bow is right under that cambium. It would have been easier to remove bark if tree was harvested in spring. Take your time hickory makes a nice bow "hickory should be worked at a lower moisture content than most other woods".

[ddauler]

Cut it in the summer and just pop off bark. Cut in winter you can peel bark and scrape cambium off. I have steamed the back and use edge of scraper and scrape cambium off without get any of the heart wood sure help keep from getting splinters.