Hickory Self Bow

[Flathead Willie]

I cut a Hickory in December for some bow staves. I took 1/4 of it and have de-barked it. Should I let it dry more before working it down or start now? Also, when I split the log, there was a twist to it. It didn't split down the middle but angled off to one side. Is that going to be a problem?  

[arrowslinger22]

Hickory needs to be really dry before making a bow.  You can, and probably should, cut it down to bow shape and that will help the process. Don't start working the wood until it's dry. Make sure you coat the ends and back of your staves with varnish or some glue (TB II is what I use) to prevent drying checks.  I also built a drying box to help the process along and keep the moisture content down while I'm working the wood.