question about backring on elm

[Bohunter0908]

Howdy Yall
 I have some elm that was milled into board it was
1.5" thick and i cut it into two 3/4" thick pieces
so that i would have two staves or boards is it ok to
just leave the back as is or should i chase a ring i read that
white woods such as elm it was not necessary to chase

a ring when using logs just remove bark and go but what
About boards? I know that red oak board bows you just
Look for best grain and go from there this elm i have has good grain.

  -Bo-
  LAPORTE TEXAS

[half eye]

Elm is darned good bowwood, I've made a whole bunch from elm boards. If your grain is good no backing necessary.....if your in doubt then back it. I have backed elm with bamboo, and a lot of other materials as well....the best combo I've built to date is a white ash backed elm.

My boards are edge grained (fully quartersawn) though so it may be different on plain sawed lumber. Elm has an intertangled grain sort of like hickory, which will help you out with any tillering mistakes. It's not indestructable but it is good tough bowwood.

Just one old farts opinion
rich

[bubby]

i chased a ring on a board one time just for giggles, but like rich said if the grain is good your good to go, Bub

[Bohunter0908]

Thanks for the info gentlemen
i have used elm logs and had good results
other than i was inpatient  and broke them
But i have learned to be more patient
so hopefully i will be posting some pics
Of my elm board bow soon

[Marc St Louis]

If the board is plain sawn then I would chase a ring, not that difficult with Elm