Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: 0209 on March 29, 2009, 01:38:16 pm

Title: Hackberry or not? If not then what?
Post by: 0209 on March 29, 2009, 01:38:16 pm

I just cut some wood and am pretty sure that it's hackberry.  I could be wrong which wouldn't surprise me any but thought that I would come to the experts who know what they are talking about.  Anyways, I look forward to hearing your guys resposes and thanks.
Best Regards
-Ian Mittelberg
(http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo347/ian-mittelberg/P3290473.jpg)
(http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo347/ian-mittelberg/P3290471.jpg)

Title: Re: Hackberry or not? If not then what?
Post by: El Destructo on March 29, 2009, 02:12:27 pm

lets see the wood....Bark looks like Hackberry

Title: Re: Hackberry or not? If not then what?
Post by: Dave 55 on March 29, 2009, 02:40:17 pm

Looks just like the hackberry stave I got awhile ago,made a real fine flatbow.

Title: Re: Hackberry or not? If not then what?
Post by: Pat B on March 29, 2009, 03:04:50 pm

I'd say it was hackberry. Treat it like elm, I believe.   

Title: Re: Hackberry or not? If not then what?
Post by: 0209 on March 29, 2009, 03:25:21 pm

Cool,
I actually identified a tree correctly and got what I wanted.  Quite surprising.  Just got thru splitting it into 4 staves, three of which are pretty darn good.  Anyways, I have another question for all of you.  How do you de-bark it?  And secondly, how do you chase a growth ring?  Thanks for all the replies.
Best Regards-
Ian Mittelberg

Title: Re: Hackberry or not? If not then what?
Post by: Pat B on March 29, 2009, 03:46:33 pm

Depending how far along into spring your area is, you may be able to just peel the bark off. Stick a screw driver under the edge of the bark at one end and see if it will peel off. If not, you will have to remove it with a draw knife. If you are careful enough with the draw knife the wood just under the bark can be your bow back. Harvesting whitewood during the growing season greatly reduces the work of getting the bark off and creating a good back ring.

Title: Re: Hackberry or not? If not then what?
Post by: Dave 55 on March 29, 2009, 03:59:05 pm

The hackberry I got had a real corky kind of sap wood about 1/4 inch thick,it was easy to remove,but being a little over exuberant I got into the back alittle so I backed it with rawhide,I keep telling myself I got to slow down,hopefully Ill listen soon.

Title: Re: Hackberry or not? If not then what?
Post by: Pappy on March 30, 2009, 07:54:33 am

If it will peal off do it and that is your back,if not I have chased the ring on Hackberry several times and it ant to bad to do.So if the bark don't peal off just chase a ring. :)
   Pappy