Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Sargent on August 24, 2010, 11:16:37 am

Title: How long for hickory???
Post by: Sargent on August 24, 2010, 11:16:37 am

I am taking on my first bow project...   I have a couple of hickory staves.

One is about 2.5" wide and about 3" deep.  The ends and back have been sealed.

How long should I wait until I start working on this?  It was cut in mid June and kept in a hot barn until I got it last week.

Thanks!

Title: Re: How long for hickory???
Post by: Kegan on August 24, 2010, 11:47:28 am

Three minutes ;)

Hickory is a bear to cure. It's best to work it down to stave dimensions or thereabout to get it drying faster. Likewise, it's alot easier to work when it's still a little green with cutting tools. Just watch gouges (I've three good staves that were almost ruined by gouges from my bad splitting job).

Title: Re: How long for hickory???
Post by: RidgeRunner on August 24, 2010, 06:10:02 pm

You can work it down to "near bow" diamitions now.  That way it will dry much faster. 
Just DONT bend it untill it gits dry.  It will still take some time for it to dry.

David

Title: Re: How long for hickory???
Post by: Sargent on August 25, 2010, 11:39:15 pm

I am going to start working it this weekend.

Is there a way to test to see if it is dry (other than a moisture probe)?

I will be storing it in a very hot attic until I finish it.

Title: Re: How long for hickory???
Post by: brian_restivo on August 25, 2010, 11:53:55 pm

Weigh it. When it stops dropping for a week or two...