i just thought of a solution to the backing question, i had bought some ash at the same time but that was going to be for arrows, but the grain along the sides is really straight, and im almost positive i could chase a ring on it, what about this kind of backing, the grain on the face is pretty straight too, but i would think a chased ring would maybe give me some more assurance, another problem with the hickory though, it is warped into reflex, so im not sure how i would even cut backing strips if i wanted. I'm thinking a bandsaw may work because of the smaller blade, but im not sure?