Hi there,

Got a few chunks of hickory from someone, a fair few will be cut up for lams for a traditional ELB, but I fancied having a go at a self bow with one of them.

Any tips for chasing a growth ring on an already dried hickory stave?

Kieran

I have the only tip you'll need. Don't bother. It not only probably impossible because there not a clear color definition, but it's not at all necessary.

Just try to limit the amount of grain violation.

My first hickory bow has been shooting for years, 55#@28", 62" long, it's back is the outside of the log, but it literally has hatchet marks up and down the back and no problems. I was stupid then. But hickory is really strong and can take it.

If the grain on the back of e stave looks like it would be good for a backing strip, then it is good enough for the back of a self bow. Actually hickory is so much stronger as a backing than a belly, at a hickory self bow can really get away with quite a bit.

Good luck. Post pictures if you want to know if the back of the stave looks good.

Hickory stave

You remove the bark and it ready!
No ring chasing

x2 on what littleben said

I am working on a hickory bow my self between times when I need to let my trade bow rest.

I plan on toasting the belly to help with its compression.

Thanks very much for the replies, certainly not gonna attempt another hickory self from a board.

The lemonwood self I've got going is such good wood I'll admit I've completely ignored the grain and it's fine, I was just worried about following a ring on hickory as its got the early/late growth, but by the sounds of it I'll run it smooth and back it, probably rawhide just for insurance.

I like lemonwood/hickory laminate as I can be good and lazy with the grain haha..

Unless your rings are really thin, chasing a ring in hickory is not that hard.  I do it all the time.  Just work in really good light, get one ring established, use a goose neck scraper, be patient and you'll have a good back that you'll never have to worry about failing.