How to debark seasoned Hop Hornbeam stave

[zonic]

I am ready to attempt 2nd self bow. I was gifted a Hop Hornbeam stave, and am ready to debark and get started. But I'm concerned about how to safely debark without violating back. Any advice very appreciated. Thanks.

[Pat B]

Get the bark off with a draw knife but leave the cambium. That can be removed later with a scraper or it might just pop off wnen you start flexing the bow.

[shadowwalker]

Hop Horn beam is my personal favorite bow wood. I am attempting the same process now. The best I have come up with is a very sharp knife and chisel, and proceed very slowly. This is the first time I have left the bark on for curing. I usually debark in the spring when I cut it and then seal it VERY well. I will keep using that method after this experience.

[bjrogg]

Like Pat said. Unless you have access to a really good power washer. Preferably with hot water burner. That's what I use now. It leaves a perfect back.
Using Pat's method don't worry about getting all the cambium off. You can leave some in the depressions and it makes a pretty cool camouflage pattern.

[simk]

for the cambium: boiling water / steam and a hard brush. i have used metal grill brush cross the grain. cheers

[George Tsoukalas]

Get close with a draw knife and then use a scraper to remove the rest. Jawge

[PatM]

If you're scraping HHB you're violating the back.   Use steam or thin it and wet it and then use a spoon to push the  inner bark.  You need to make it 'green" again.

[Weylin]

for the cambium: boiling water / steam and a hard brush. i have used metal grill brush cross the grain. cheers

This is what I do. Boiling water and a spoon. I also use a metal kitchen scrubby.

[George Tsoukalas]

Some hickories have the same types of "ridges". Using a scraper will work and has worked for me without violating the back  as long as I am careful.

I don't worry too much about leaving inner bark behind. It will peal off and I like the look of what does not.
Jawge

[zonic]

Thank you for the advice so far. I'm not too concerned about leaving some cambium on - if it doesn't hurt anything. Attempt #1 was a Shag Bark Hickory, and I kind of liked the look. I don't have a power washer, but I've heard about the spoon technique a few times. I don't understand how that works. I may start gently w/ my dull draw knife and see how it goes.

[George Tsoukalas]

Also, years ago I bought a set of shave hooks and they definitely come in handy for chasing ringside tc. I can't remember if I've used them for bark removal in those woods with edges. Jawge

http://traditionalarchery101.com/osage.html

[zonic]

I attempted to remove the bark. It was brittle and chipping off. I stopped because I didn't want to chance violating back due to my inexperience. I laid out a design and started reducing sides with a hatchet. I figure I'd better seek some advice before proceeding. I'm not sure I took the bark down far enough. Also the ends twist in opposing directions. I attempted to follow twist of the grain on one (more twisted) limb, straight-lined the other. It's 67" long. I drew out a 4" handle and 1.5" fades. Hoping for some direction from the experts at this point. Thanks, Steve

[zonic]

Limb grain I tried to follow.

[hoosierf]

I use a very sharp machete in one hand while holding the stave upright with the other. I effectively slice and scrape the bark away in a downward cutting and drawing motion while holding the stave.  This technique will leave most of the cambium which dries out pretty quickly and is easy to scrape off. Don’t chop, draw the machete toward young the full length of the blade.  You don’t peel the bark all the way thru on any cut.  You are taking off the high spots essentially and you change the angle of the blade to avoid violating the back as the bark gets thinner. Stop in an area when you get to cambium.

[bownarra]

The 'trick' if you like, is to simply rough out the bow to a limber floortiller. You can then get your width profile close (leave it an 1/8 or so wide). You will find the bark and most of the cambium will 'pop off' when you give it a decent bend. This method leaves an absolutely pristine back on these woods with interesting backs. Once you try this method I guarantee you won't go back haha!