Another osage question?

[wvbowhntr]

Can you use the first heartwood ring as your back?  I took down my billets to the heart wood it is a good thick ring but I noticed it is lighter than the other late wood rings is this okkay or do I need to go down to another ring?

[rattlesnake]

first growth ring is just fine,, as long as its heartwood?...osage is very forgiving...snake

[wvbowhntr]

thank you snake

[sulphur]

i have a theory on that topic.  i alway go at least one ring down.  the first ring hasn't had quite as long to "densify".  most likely it will be okay.  but that is what i do.  Also it depends on when it was cut as to how ready it is to be a bow back.  winter is the best time but if cut in spring it is probably better to go down one ring.

[Pappy]

I think that would be fine ,but I usually go down a couple if the rings are good,I like to chase
them anyway ,and I am not very careful taking the bark and sap wood off.
   Pappy