Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Roadking71865 on October 11, 2012, 02:16:00 pm

Title: Hickory Tree??
Post by: Roadking71865 on October 11, 2012, 02:16:00 pm

I just cut down what I think is a hickory tree for my first self bow.  The tree was Tall, thin etc.  However, the inner barck is a really bright orange/ red color and directly underneath the bark appears to be a good layer of spring (white) wood which I believe needs to be removed down to the heart wood to establish the back of the bow.  The reason I am asking the question is I thought that after you removed the bark from any hickory tree that was the back and there was no spring wood to remove.  Lastly, do I need to glue all the ends if I keep them in a cool dark place while drying?  Thanks,

Title: Re: Hickory Tree??
Post by: Bryce on October 11, 2012, 03:01:04 pm

You cut down a tree before you knew exactly what it was?  :o
Either way, you have to make some bows out of it now.
I'm just givin yah a hard time lol  >:D
Split her into staves seal the ends, and if your unsure of the species leave the bark on for now.

If you have photos that would help us identify the species for you.

-Pinecone

Title: Re: Hickory Tree??
Post by: okie64 on October 11, 2012, 03:10:09 pm

If it is a hickory tree you dont have to take it down to heartwood. The sapwood is what you want with hickory. Just work the bark an cambium off and theres the back of your bow. A pic of the bark and leaves would help us tell you what kinda tree it is for sure.

Title: Re: Hickory Tree??
Post by: Roadking71865 on October 11, 2012, 05:15:14 pm

What should I seal the ends with?  I have a lot to do.

Title: Re: Hickory Tree??
Post by: beetlebailey1977 on October 11, 2012, 05:17:57 pm

This time of year the cambium may be starting to stick on the tree.....not sure.  That may be the dark orange color is.

Title: Re: Hickory Tree??
Post by: Eric Krewson on October 11, 2012, 06:16:36 pm

Doesn't sound like you cut a hickory to me. Look at the picture in the "grain violation thread", that is what the cambium lay of hickory should look like, the brown stuff on the right side of the picture.

Title: Re: Hickory Tree??
Post by: armymedic.2 on October 11, 2012, 06:31:42 pm

Yep.  Round here in ny Cambium will look yellowish at first.  After a half hour exposed air it will turn brown like an apple does.  Sap wood will stay white even after air exposure.

Title: Re: Hickory Tree??
Post by: NruJaC on October 11, 2012, 06:38:40 pm

Here's the picture people are talking about.

(http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n517/armymedic308/photobucket-89530-1349916213377.jpg)

Title: Re: Hickory Tree??
Post by: osage outlaw on October 11, 2012, 08:29:33 pm

seal the ends with polyurethane, shellac, paint, glue, or anything that will seal it.

Title: Re: Hickory Tree??
Post by: Roadking71865 on October 11, 2012, 08:43:43 pm

Yep. It's hickory

Title: Re: Hickory Tree??
Post by: tattoo dave on October 11, 2012, 09:36:58 pm

Man I got a short hickory stave with the bark still on it. I gotta tell ya, that stuff is not coming any time soon. Gotta save it for a day when I'm feeling really froggy. It's gonna take a lot of scraping to get it off. Good luck on that stick. Keep us posted.

Tattoo Dave