I am just starting my 2nd self bow (the first was successful yew wood bow I made in a John Strunk class).
Last year I was given a hazelnut stave for my birthday, and just now got around to laying it out for a bow. The friend who gave it to me and I couldn't figure out a away to make it work (it had warped pretty badly in the drying), so he gave me another hazelnut stave. This one still had the bark attached.
The bark is so hard to remove when it is seasoned, I had the idea to leave it on as a backing. Has anyone ever done this before, and if so did it work? (or not)
It is really firmly attached, so I am not so much concerned that it will come off, as it just won't make a good back.
What do you all think?
RonP
Since you have taken a class with John, I would highly recommend giving him a call. I know that he has made bows with the bark still intact on the back. He will have plenty of advice for your particular stave.
I have had poor results with leaving the bark on. Others have had good results. I take it off. Jawge
Gordon(from Beaverton OR) did a "Build Along" on PA using a hazelnut stave. Lots of good info there.