Black Walnut ring chasing

[Ezra Knight]

I’m working on my first piece of Black Walnut and am having an insanely difficult time chasing a ring. The rings are so hard to see and differentiate from. I’m using a dull draw knife and trying to “feel” the rings, but it’s kicking my butt. My question is, if I back it with rawhide, are ring violations a huge deal? I’m going for a fairly bulky design. 68” ttt, 1.5” out to the last 6-8” and then a quick taper to 1/2” and I’m shooting for around 50#@28”

Any help is greatly appreciated

[Mo_coon-catcher]

Walnut is very difficult to chase a ring on. I typically get lose to the level I want with a draw knife, then finish getting to the ring I want with a scraper. Good light is very important as you have to see as much as feel these rings. But I've notice, walnut can handle some violation. And it loves a good heat treat.

Kyle

[Ezra Knight]

Thank you very much! Do you mean heat treating just the belly or the entire bow?

[mullet]

If you didn't leave the Sapwood on and you don't have excellent vision, back it with sinew or rawhide.

[Ezra Knight]

Right now I’ve got about 1/4 inch of sapwood left