chokecherry?

[smoky#1]

can the bark be left on chokecherry as a backing?

[kleinpm]

I think you COULD but it probably would not last as long as a bark free bow. Eventually the bark will start to separate from the wood, probably at the worst possible moment.

FWIW I have used CC a couple of times and after a year of bark on seasoning the bark holds on like its superglued, but that is on a stave that isn't being flexed.

Patrick

[smoky#1]

okay, thanks for the information.

[jayman448]

Would this separation cause a failure or would the bark just kind of pop off without harming the bow? I was under the impression thats what i can expect to happen with my saskatoon staves

[chamookman]

The Barks strength goes around the tree, so there would be no advantage for doing it that way. Bob

[blackhawk]

The Barks strength goes around the tree, so there would be no advantage for doing it that way. Bob

Winner winner chicken diner....Bobs got it.....the grain in the bark goes AROUND the tree,and not up and down longitudinally  like the grain inside the wood of the tree...

Same thing with the birch bark too that u can apply to the back of a bow

[smoky#1]

ok, thanks. now i get to try and take the bark off....

[Pat B]

Even if the bark just "popped" off later it would change the tiller. Cherry bark is very strong and I think it adds performance. Adding it later as a backing would take advantage of that performance, even if only a slight bit but also protect the back like a backing should.

[smoky#1]

ok, i may try that on a future bow, Thanks for all of the great help, i will post pics of the bow when it is finished.