Author Topic: Hickory Question  (Read 2264 times)

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Offline BrokenArrow

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Hickory Question
« on: December 22, 2014, 03:34:01 pm »
What is a better choice for hickory; wide or small growth rings?

Offline missilemaster

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Re: Hickory Question
« Reply #1 on: December 22, 2014, 03:38:21 pm »
I've never found it mattered.
All men die,  few men ever really live.

Real men love Jesus.

Offline Wooden Spring

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Re: Hickory Question
« Reply #2 on: December 22, 2014, 03:38:25 pm »
When it comes to hickory, I find that just about anything works. Generally, it's easier to find the back if it's got wider (thicker) rings.
"Everything that moves shall be food for you..." Genesis 9:3

Offline George Tsoukalas

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Re: Hickory Question
« Reply #3 on: December 22, 2014, 03:41:33 pm »
I don't think it matters. Just take off the bark and make a bow. Jawge
Set Happens!
If you ain't breakin' you ain't makin!

Offline BrokenArrow

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Re: Hickory Question
« Reply #4 on: December 22, 2014, 04:05:16 pm »
How well does hickory take to dry heat bending for the tips?

Online Pat B

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Re: Hickory Question
« Reply #5 on: December 22, 2014, 04:31:55 pm »
Hickory manipulates better with steam than dry heat.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline missilemaster

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Re: Hickory Question
« Reply #6 on: December 22, 2014, 04:35:52 pm »
hickory will bend with dry heat but nothing too severe.
All men die,  few men ever really live.

Real men love Jesus.

Offline Springbuck

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Re: Hickory Question
« Reply #7 on: December 24, 2014, 05:00:07 pm »
When it comes to hickory, I find that just about anything works. Generally, it's easier to find the back if it's got wider (thicker) rings.

This right here.  Hickory's best selling point is how tough and hard to break it is.  Make bends with steam or boiling, but also toast the belly if you want.  It does improve hickory a lot to heat treat it.

Online Pat B

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Re: Hickory Question
« Reply #8 on: December 24, 2014, 05:13:53 pm »
The best time to cut hickory (or any whitewood) is during the growing season. At that time of the year the there is a new layer of wood cells being laid down so the bark slips making it easy to remove without harming the wood underneath. That will be the best and strongest wood for the back of the bow. During the winter those cells is hardening off to become next spring's wood layer. I like cutting in the spring so that back ring has had all winter to mature. IMO that makes the strongest hickory bow.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline Danzn Bar

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Re: Hickory Question
« Reply #9 on: December 24, 2014, 06:08:32 pm »
The best time to cut hickory (or any whitewood) is during the growing season. At that time of the year the there is a new layer of wood cells being laid down so the bark slips making it easy to remove without harming the wood underneath. That will be the best and strongest wood for the back of the bow. During the winter those cells is hardening off to become next spring's wood layer. I like cutting in the spring so that back ring has had all winter to mature. IMO that makes the strongest hickory bow.

Very well said Pat B..... :) ;)
Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking