Question on red elm stave

[Dave 55]

Good mornin guys I have a question on a red elm stave I recieved,the stave came to me decrowned and I was told you work red elm down to about 1/8 inch sap wood ,it has about 1/2 inch sap wood on it now and appears to be in good solid shape.Working it down that far would leave me with a bend thru the handle bow which I dont particularly want.TBB 1 says leave the sap wood,any suggestions would be appreciated,Dave.

[Pat B]

With elm, I would use the ring under the bark as my back ring. Being that your stave is decrowned I would back it. Why was it decrowned?

[Dave 55]

Pat I dont know why it was decrowned,when I asked was when he said it was to help start working down the sap wood?

[Hillbilly]

I've only made one bow from red elm, and I used the sapwood under the bark as the back. It only had a bit of heartwood in the handle. It will probably work good like you're saying, and it will look awesome, too. Just more work. I would try to work it down to a continuous sapwood ring.

[Dave 55]

I dont know but the plan is to drop down to the next ring which will leave about 3/8 inch sap wood in the limbs and back it with raw hide,talking to the dealer I kind of felt like I was getting the mushroom treatment,you keep them in the dark and feed them - - - -.I really appreciate the info and suggestions thanks Dave.

[Hillbilly]

If you get it down to a single ring, you shouldn't have to back it.

[Pat B]

I would only back it if it were kept decrowned. Get it down to a single sapwood ring and go from there without a backing.

[Dave 55]

Sounds good ,if I go down 2 rings it should be a continuos ring but bt then I wont have much for a grip,probably bend thru the handle.