Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: oakfall on March 29, 2008, 02:17:01 pm

Title: ok to cut hophornbeam now?
Post by: oakfall on March 29, 2008, 02:17:01 pm

It's almost april in central NY and I want to make another HHB bow.If I cut now will I have a hard time getting the bark off? Last one I made I cut in summer.

Thanks,
Oakfall

Title: Re: ok to cut hophornbeam now?
Post by: Pat B on March 29, 2008, 02:23:44 pm

Oakfall, I am not familiar with your growing season but I would wait until the leaves are fully out or at least almost fully out. It will be easier to remove the bark them.     Pat

Title: Re: ok to cut hophornbeam now?
Post by: DanaM on March 29, 2008, 02:51:59 pm

If you can wait until the leaves are out wait but if your only chance is now don't hesitate
get it when ya can ;D

Title: Re: ok to cut hophornbeam now?
Post by: Bent Rig on March 29, 2008, 10:27:44 pm

Hey Oakfall , I live in Central Ny and it is too early yet !!! You have to wait until the leaves are out at least 3/4 - which should be about the 3rd week of May . I cut all my trees including HHB last year at that time and all the bark just about fell off - it was unbelieable how easy it came off - areas differ so go by the foliage .  ;D

Title: Re: ok to cut hophornbeam now?
Post by: Hillbilly on March 29, 2008, 11:04:42 pm

My opinion is that the best time to cut bow wood is whenever you have a chance to. The bark comes off easier after the leaves are out, but it's not that much trouble to take it off in the winter.