David, I have had piggyback staves pop loose clean but not very often. Usually you have to remove a partial ring or two...sometimes you get fire wood!.
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This stave was very straight grained with good sized annual rings. I believe that, and being fresh cut wood, is why it split so well.
Justin, This was frugality not greed!
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Eddie, I'm glad to hear my Karma bank account is full. Wish my regular bank account was in the same shape.
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Rick...I've been there more than not!
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Dano, Dana, Gordon and Radius, Thanks guys. Herb is a special person to trad archery, and especially in NC and I consider him a special friend. It will be an honor to build this bow for him...so Dano, I hope the karma holds out long enough to get Herb's bow done.
The wood was cut the 8th of May. Yep, just a few weeks ago so it has some drying to do first. By reducing the stave like I have should speed it up too. When I come up with the design, I'll reduce the stave to floor tiller stage and put it in the hot box for a while. I'll keep ya'll posted about the progress. Pat