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Hickory bow.

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Muskyman:
I was looking at what was probably my first stave. It’s hickory and at the time I didn’t know I could peel the bark off it so I took it off with a draw knife. I think that’s what I used but it might have been a machete that I put tape on the blade opposite the handle and used. (lol) Seem to remember trying that once. Anyway I was looking at it and it’s not in to bad of shape but it does have some places that I went through the back somewhat. One place is fairly deep on the outer edge and another that’s more towards the center of it.. it’s fairly narrow maybe 1 1/8 to 1 1/4 wide. It’s still pretty thick and not to the floor tiller stage yet. Think I might salvage a bow out of it? Don’t want to back it mainly because I don’t want to spend the money on this stave. I’ve got some others I can work on and will need backing and would rather put my money into them. I know hickory is tough stuff so I’m hoping I can just sand it out and be okay

Jim Davis:
I have a hickory bow I made something like 25 years ago when I was learning. It has several grain runouts on the back of one limb. It has only been shot maybe three dozen times, but it didn't break--so far. Pulled it again today--didn't break.

Hawkdancer:
Go-ahead and make a bow.  Good practice.  Might try some rawhide or sinew wrapping where you think there are possible weak spots, or a Mere-Heath style wrap.
Hawkdancer   

superdav95:
If your worries about it breaking at that spot or lifting a splinter just linen wrap the spot a little ways above and below it and do a matching wrap on the other limb for looks.  This is preventative but you may still be fine anyway.  It’s cheaper to do then raw hide too.   

Happy Grandpa:
I made a hickory bow from a board. The rings were substantially violated (see picture).
I made the bow 65 lbs to begin with, then reduced it to 52 lb or so over time. The bow has been very durable. I'd make the bow.

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