How do you guys chase a ring on hickory? The difference in early in late wood is so miniscule it makes it really hard for me to do. I have some staves and underneath the bark there is bug damage so I need to chase a ring

The differences between the hickory rings are more striking than one would think Lee. Or at least on the hickory I've used. It's late wood looks clean/clear where as the seperation between rings looks much like striations or bamboo power fibers. Once you pick up on the differences you'll zip right through a ring. Just have a tool handy like a goose neck scraper to use in the low spots. Hope that helped. ART

I have had to a few times. The rings are small so take you time. Keep a rounded scraper handy as Art said. Jawge

Like Art says, looks alot like the bamboo fibers.

What helps me, is direct sunlight, nothing beats it! If you have some scrap pieces, or belly splits, practice chasing a ring with that. Helps also getting the feel for different tools.