Hickory self bow

[Lee Lobbestael]

I am currently making the back on a hickory self bow. In Bowyers Bible 1 it mentions that on white wood such as this you can use the growth ring directly under the bark. I am doing this but the rings this close are very thin. I believe I violated the ring in a very small place. Usually i would go to the next ring down but i have trouble chasing a ring on hickory. I know hickory is tough so should i keep doing what i am doing?

[DCM]

I've had good luck with hickory and minor ring violations, particularly if they don't run off the edge of the limb.  Often w/ hickory or hhb the ridges and valleys on the back of the bow make it easy to cut too deep when removing the inner bark.

[Pat B]

Once the bark is peeled you shouldn't have to do anything elsr to the back.
 Like David said, hickory is tough and you should be fine with some grain violations. If you are worried about them you can add a silk, linen or even brown paper backing.

[Lee Lobbestael]

Thanks guys. I left the bark on this stave to dry because i wanted to try the skip peel effect on the back. I figured it might look cool

[Pat B]

It doesn't necessarily depend on how long the bark is left of but more when during the year the wood is cut. If cut during the growing season the bark will "slip" and come off easily. If cut during the dormant season, the bark and cambium will hold tight.
...but anyway, looking forward to seeing your completed bow!

[bigcountry]

I have a stave myself right now, that I violated one ring trying to get off the cambium that I harvested too late in the fall.  

I know some likes that camo look the brown layer gives ya but I don't.

I think I am going to back it.  Its on the edge of one limb.  Maybe with rawhide.

[Lee Lobbestael]

Thanks I'll post some and show ya the out come!