Hickory Growth Rings

[Little Kieran]

Hi there,

Got a few chunks of hickory from someone, a fair few will be cut up for lams for a traditional ELB, but I fancied having a go at a self bow with one of them.

Any tips for chasing a growth ring on an already dried hickory stave?

Kieran

[LittleBen]

I have the only tip you'll need. Don't bother. It not only probably impossible because there not a clear color definition, but it's not at all necessary.

Just try to limit the amount of grain violation.

My first hickory bow has been shooting for years, 55#@28", 62" long, it's back is the outside of the log, but it literally has hatchet marks up and down the back and no problems. I was stupid then. But hickory is really strong and can take it.

If the grain on the back of e stave looks like it would be good for a backing strip, then it is good enough for the back of a self bow. Actually hickory is so much stronger as a backing than a belly, at a hickory self bow can really get away with quite a bit.

Good luck. Post pictures if you want to know if the back of the stave looks good.

[Mad Max]

Hickory stave

You remove the bark and it ready!
No ring chasing

x2 on what littleben said

[KellyG]

I am working on a hickory bow my self between times when I need to let my trade bow rest.

I plan on toasting the belly to help with its compression.

[Little Kieran]

Thanks very much for the replies, certainly not gonna attempt another hickory self from a board.

The lemonwood self I've got going is such good wood I'll admit I've completely ignored the grain and it's fine, I was just worried about following a ring on hickory as its got the early/late growth, but by the sounds of it I'll run it smooth and back it, probably rawhide just for insurance.

I like lemonwood/hickory laminate as I can be good and lazy with the grain haha..

[Drewster]

Unless your rings are really thin, chasing a ring in hickory is not that hard.  I do it all the time.  Just work in really good light, get one ring established, use a goose neck scraper, be patient and you'll have a good back that you'll never have to worry about failing.