Hickory Question

[BrokenArrow]

What is a better choice for hickory; wide or small growth rings?

[missilemaster]

I've never found it mattered.

[Wooden Spring]

When it comes to hickory, I find that just about anything works. Generally, it's easier to find the back if it's got wider (thicker) rings.

[George Tsoukalas]

I don't think it matters. Just take off the bark and make a bow. Jawge

[BrokenArrow]

How well does hickory take to dry heat bending for the tips?

[Pat B]

Hickory manipulates better with steam than dry heat.

[missilemaster]

hickory will bend with dry heat but nothing too severe.

[Springbuck]

When it comes to hickory, I find that just about anything works. Generally, it's easier to find the back if it's got wider (thicker) rings.

This right here.  Hickory's best selling point is how tough and hard to break it is.  Make bends with steam or boiling, but also toast the belly if you want.  It does improve hickory a lot to heat treat it.

[Pat B]

The best time to cut hickory (or any whitewood) is during the growing season. At that time of the year the there is a new layer of wood cells being laid down so the bark slips making it easy to remove without harming the wood underneath. That will be the best and strongest wood for the back of the bow. During the winter those cells is hardening off to become next spring's wood layer. I like cutting in the spring so that back ring has had all winter to mature. IMO that makes the strongest hickory bow.

[Danzn Bar]

The best time to cut hickory (or any whitewood) is during the growing season. At that time of the year the there is a new layer of wood cells being laid down so the bark slips making it easy to remove without harming the wood underneath. That will be the best and strongest wood for the back of the bow. During the winter those cells is hardening off to become next spring's wood layer. I like cutting in the spring so that back ring has had all winter to mature. IMO that makes the strongest hickory bow.

Very well said Pat B.....