ideal m/c for hickory

[fujimo]

whilst in alberta, canada. i built some board bows from hickory that would not even register on my lowest setting on my meter, which is 6%.
the bows shot well, (with just reasonable set.) and i built at least 10 HBI- only one ever failed.
now that i live on the damp west coast. the same  hickory in my shed is now measuring between 10 and 11%.
so the question is, should i dry it out some, or leave as is(i now have an oven buit to binghams specs).
what is the ideal m/c.
i will be using it for backings on bows.
thanks
wayne

[Pat B]

6% is the ideal M/C for hickory.Other bow woods would blow up at that M/C.  You will notice a bit of sluggishness or lack of cast at 10% to 11% but is most areas that is where it ends up. If you can leave it in your hot box between uses or at least a week before use you can keep the M/C low and the bow will perform better at the lower rate.

[fujimo]

thanks pat

[Roy from Pa]

Pat what is ideal for Osage?

[Pat B]

9% to 11%, Roy.  Most bow woods do well at 9% to 11%.

[Roy from Pa]

K, thanks..