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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: giff on October 02, 2010, 08:36:00 PM

Title: birch bark backing
Post by: giff on October 02, 2010, 08:36:00 PM
just wondering if this would work. if it does it would look pretty cool.
Title: Re: birch bark backing
Post by: 4est trekker on October 02, 2010, 08:47:00 PM
I've seen it on bows, both in a wrapped form by James Parker (Huntworthy Productions) around the entire d-shaped limb and as a traditional backing.  Hopefully Pat B will come along to give you some good advice on harvesting and applying bark backings.
Title: Re: birch bark backing
Post by: hova on October 02, 2010, 09:05:00 PM
that sounds interesting and different. im keeping an eye on this..

-hov
Title: Re: birch bark backing
Post by: Aram on October 02, 2010, 10:17:00 PM
Seen it done. Not sure how much it helps the bow but looks cool. Of course, careful with the grain orientation. You have to turn it sidewise or it will be brittle.
Title: Re: birch bark backing
Post by: c'ville on October 03, 2010, 02:14:00 PM
that would definately look cool.  Im gonna watch this as well.  Pat B has done some awesome of cherry bark backings that I have seen on here.  Hopefully he will come by with some advice on harvesting and preparing the bark.
Title: Re: birch bark backing
Post by: razorback on October 04, 2010, 09:53:00 AM
I did a birch bark backed birch bow last year. I used Yellow birch and it looked real cool. I just took strips about 3" wide from around the tree and glued it on with titebond. You will want to get it as thin as possible and remember that you are only attaching the layer that is against the bow. the rest of the backing is only holding by its bond to itself. I was concerned that the constant firing would make this come off. It wasn't a problem up to the point of permanent fix. Broke the bow  :(  It can look very good though and give it a shot. Not sure how much added strength it adds though.

(http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu207/aussiearcher/DSCF0649.jpg)

(http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu207/aussiearcher/DSCF0644.jpg)
Title: Re: birch bark backing
Post by: b.glass on October 05, 2010, 07:54:00 PM
Hummm? I just got a supply of birch logs. I didn't plan to try this but now I might!
Title: Re: birch bark backing
Post by: Adam Keiper on October 05, 2010, 08:38:00 PM
I've used it.  Bark backings are difficult to get flat and tight to the bow, but look nice once you pull them off.  
(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/Alpinbogen/moose1a.jpg)
(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/Alpinbogen/moose2a.jpg)
Title: Re: birch bark backing
Post by: Pat B on October 06, 2010, 10:25:00 AM
I used birch (paper) bark to cover a sinew backed bow a few years ago. I didn't harvest the bark, it was given to me .  The paper birch bark is layers of thin bark. I separated a single thin layer by soaking it in warm water then glued it down with TBIII. I think hide glue should work fine too.