I was able to harvest mine in the late spring when the bark just slipped off. The stuff was VERY tight ringed. Most of the staves I have left are smaller diameter and highly crowned. Im thinking of going with a bendy or slightly bendy handle design. I heat treat mine but dont fire harden. I have some hickory left i hope to fire harden one sometime in the next few months. I agree with you on hickory though....its a great wood. Maybe you can get your hands on some ash. Ive made quite a few from ash as of late. Good luck on the next build Joe!
I was able to harvest mine in the late spring when the bark just slipped off. The stuff was VERY tight ringed. Most of the staves I have left are smaller diameter and highly crowned. Im thinking of going with a bendy or slightly bendy handle design. I heat treat mine but dont fire harden. I have some hickory left i hope to fire harden one sometime in the next few months.
I agree with you on hickory though....its a great wood. Maybe you can get your hands on some ash. Ive made quite a few from ash as of late.
Good luck on the next build Joe!