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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: cherokeeghost on April 30, 2009, 01:50:00 PM

Title: paper backing
Post by: cherokeeghost on April 30, 2009, 01:50:00 PM

i have access to some paper for backing from work. the paper is kraft (brown) and 15 thousands thick would i need one layer or more.

Title: Re: paper backing
Post by: ranger 3 on April 30, 2009, 04:13:00 PM

One layer will work, I think it the glue that makes it work.

Title: Re: paper backing
Post by: bjansen on April 30, 2009, 05:46:00 PM

I think one layer would be just fine as well.  I had a guy who worked in a cardboard factory give me a 6 ft roll of it (the remaing small roll off the press), which is about 15 thousands thick too...I glue on only one layer with tb iii...then when it drys soak it with thin CA glue and it sands beautifully...

Ranger if you need any come and get some.

Title: Re: paper backing
Post by: ranger 3 on April 30, 2009, 06:20:00 PM

Thanks Brad

Title: Re: paper backing
Post by: Dano on April 30, 2009, 07:53:00 PM

I've used tissue paper, and had good results. Like ranger said "it's the glue"    :D  course that was with only a few runouts I was worried about.

Title: Re: paper backing
Post by: cherokeeghost on May 01, 2009, 01:26:00 AM

thanks guys actually i work in a box factory, so hopefully i can keep getting some leftovers lol

Title: Re: paper backing
Post by: bigcountry on May 01, 2009, 10:14:00 AM

You know this thread has got me thinking.  If paper backing will help the back, why not snake skin?  You got the glue, and glue is sticking to something?  Just thinking outloud.

Title: Re: paper backing
Post by: razorback on May 01, 2009, 01:54:00 PM

I think with paper, as well as cloth materials, it has to do with the glue soaking into the fibers and the sum of these two makes the whole stronger. Kind of like fiberglass and resin. That is the reason these backings add to the strength or splinter resistence of a bow. If any one knows about skins please let us know.

Title: Re: paper backing
Post by: Dano on May 01, 2009, 08:52:00 PM

Snake skin does the same for protection, the thicker the skin the better the protection. Rawhide being the best in my book. It all depends on the magnitude of the splinter or the need for protection.

Title: Re: paper backing
Post by: shamus on May 02, 2009, 12:58:00 PM

I tried a paper backing and the bow broke.

I've also had denim fail on me.

The only backings I trust at this point are rawhide, wood, and bamboo.

Title: Re: paper backing
Post by: Pat B on May 04, 2009, 01:24:00 PM

I have used paper, rawhide, silk, linen and other materials for bow backings with good results but I have also had bows with most those backings break. The backings are only as good as the bow they are used on or bowyer using them. It is not a miracle worker.
   Except for thick skinned snakes I consider snake skins as a decorative backing only. For more protection use rawhide, silk or linen under the skins.