Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: bentstick54 on May 25, 2024, 05:36:50 pm

Title: Cutting and sealing hickory
Post by: bentstick54 on May 25, 2024, 05:36:50 pm
If I cut some 6” to 10” hickory fully leafed out in June with temps in the 90 to 100 degree range and 50 to 90% humidity, and split into quarters and peel the bark the same or next day, do I need to seal the backs, or just the ends? I’ve never worked with hickory before.
Title: Re: Cutting and sealing hickory
Post by: bentstick54 on May 25, 2024, 05:42:26 pm
Or is there too much moisture in the sapwood to seal immediately?
Title: Re: Cutting and sealing hickory
Post by: Piddler on May 25, 2024, 07:18:14 pm
Lots know more than me and may have better advice but if the bark comes off it needs to be sealed pretty quickly as well as ends and down the side for 3 or 4 inches.
Piddler
Title: Re: Cutting and sealing hickory
Post by: Hamish on May 25, 2024, 08:08:05 pm
If I cut some 6” to 10” hickory fully leafed out in June with temps in the 90 to 100 degree range and 50 to 90% humidity, and split into quarters and peel the bark the same or next day, do I need to seal the backs, or just the ends? I’ve never worked with hickory before.

Absolutely seal the back of hickory. It's one of the white woods that will check badly as it dries, especially if left as quarters from a large log.
Title: Re: Cutting and sealing hickory
Post by: superdav95 on May 25, 2024, 10:54:46 pm
If I cut some 6” to 10” hickory fully leafed out in June with temps in the 90 to 100 degree range and 50 to 90% humidity, and split into quarters and peel the bark the same or next day, do I need to seal the backs, or just the ends? I’ve never worked with hickory before.

Absolutely seal the back of hickory. It's one of the white woods that will check badly as it dries, especially if left as quarters from a large log.

What hamish said.  I usually do 12-16 staves at a time and seal up end and back as soon as I slip the bark off.  Basically I cut split debark and seal all with in few hours. 
Title: Re: Cutting and sealing hickory
Post by: bentstick54 on May 25, 2024, 11:25:13 pm
Thanks guys. That’s what I was figuring, but nice to know for sure so I know not to cut more than I can handle.
Title: Re: Cutting and sealing hickory
Post by: Will B on May 26, 2024, 08:43:13 am
I agree with Hamish. I always put a second coat of shellac on the back and ends on hickory due to the amount of moisture in the sapwood.
Title: Re: Cutting and sealing hickory
Post by: Pat B on May 26, 2024, 12:03:08 pm
Any exposed stave back should be sealed whether it is well seasoned or fresh. And as said above shellac is my choice because it is easily removed later without damaging the pristine, exposed back. I keep a can of spray shellac on my work bench all the time for convenience.
Title: Re: Cutting and sealing hickory
Post by: Pappy on May 28, 2024, 09:32:03 am
I always seal the backs and ends of spring or early summer cut hickory, wipe them down good to get as much of the moisture off , also try and keep the out of the sun and in as cool a place as I can. They will check pretty quick if you don't. I usually put 1 coat on, let it dry and then another. I use slightly watered down wood glue.
 Pappy
Title: Re: Cutting and sealing hickory
Post by: bentstick54 on May 28, 2024, 10:25:01 am
Thanks everyone. That’s what I figured but was wondering about to much moisture on the surface for a sealer to stick and dry. I never would have thought to take a rag to wipe off excessive moisture on the surface before applying sealer like Pappy suggested.
Title: Re: Cutting and sealing hickory
Post by: willie on May 28, 2024, 07:43:00 pm
Quote
and down the side for 3 or 4 inches.
Piddler

yes, the entirer end for 3-4 inches with the white woods here  (birch)