Question: Is shagbark hickory as good as any other variety of hickory for bow making?
Reason: Its winter and shagbark is the easiest to identify and very plentiful around here.
Shag Bark is excellent bow wood.I have worked with Shag Bark and Pig nut Hickory and can't tell the differance. Dean
I built quite a few bows out of shag bark.It's one of my favoret.
I read that shagbark is more hydroscopic - really sucks up the moisture from the room air - so it's more important to keep the back and ends sealed and keep it in the drying box in between work sessions until you have the finish on it.
And like they always say - keep your eyes open for some osage. You have it there in Indiana if you know where to look.
I've seen a LOT more variation in specimens than species with hickory. So, it doesn't matter is the answer. Same thing with hydroscopic, not so much variation between specimen or species, rather good moisture control serves any all wood bow. But wait until the saps rises, and the leaves bud out, or you'll never get the bark off of it.
Shagbark is great bow wood. But like has been said above, wait till spring or summer before cutting it. If you cut it when the sap is up into the tree, the bark will peel off so easy and in long wide strips. And once the bark is off, that will be the back of your bow. Drive a wide screw driver under the edge of the bark on the end of the log and just peel off the bark.
But if you cut it in the winter, the bark is very difficult to get off.
Chisle is right all white wood will do this.As I build my white wood bows I always put it in the hot box cracking open the lid when I'm done for the day.You don't want it to get to dry.This will help with string follow.
I was just thinking of using shagbark on my next bow as well. let me know how yours works out