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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: tsimo25 on September 08, 2015, 03:40:00 PM

Title: Backings for bows
Post by: tsimo25 on September 08, 2015, 03:40:00 PM

Hi,

  I was wondering about backing materials.  I have tried A couple different materials and was wondering if there is anything that goes into the "Never Use This" Category.  So far my favorites have been FibaFuse a Fiberglass wall board tape and paper.  I liked using a heavier craft paper that I could run through the printer and put a pattern on.  I am asking as I am getting ready to start on a new oak bow and am planning on trying a camo finish.  I have some burlap and was wondering if that would work as backing.  

Thanks

Title: Re: Backings for bows
Post by: macbow on September 08, 2015, 03:59:00 PM

The only problem I see with burlap is it's weight, might slow the limbs down a little.

I had good luck with regular cotton camo fabric.

Title: Re: Backings for bows
Post by: tsimo25 on September 08, 2015, 04:17:00 PM

Its a light weight craft burlap with a more open weave the weight is in the same range as the craft paper.  I will go ahead and try it.

Title: Re: Backings for bows
Post by: Mad Max on September 08, 2015, 05:14:00 PM

The more open weave is going to hold more glue (Weight)

Title: Re: Backings for bows
Post by: wood carver 2 on September 08, 2015, 05:33:00 PM

I have a bow that's backed with a camo t shirt. It looks really cool.
Dave.

Title: Re: Backings for bows
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on September 08, 2015, 05:34:00 PM

None of those do much for your bow, the drywall tape really robs performance. Your best bet is unbacked straight grained boards. If the need for a back arises then Id suggest rawhide, sinew, maple, hickory, ash or bamboo.

Title: Re: Backings for bows
Post by: macbow on September 08, 2015, 06:35:00 PM

Totally agree with Pearl, I did my camo cloth just for looks.

Title: Re: Backings for bows
Post by: Mad Max on September 08, 2015, 06:42:00 PM

Yep

Title: Re: Backings for bows
Post by: mikkekeswick on September 09, 2015, 05:21:00 AM

I like fresh air and straight grain  ;)
If I have to back a stave for some reason then it's rawhide or design it for sinew.

Title: Re: Backings for bows
Post by: tsimo25 on September 09, 2015, 10:17:00 AM

I am trying to make a short bow and feel like I need the extra protection.  Shooting for 48 inches and 40lbs at 24 inches.

Title: Re: Backings for bows
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on September 09, 2015, 10:40:00 AM

Your not adding any protection with any of those backings, only dead weight. If you've ever had a bow break in front of you, you quickly realize paper bags, burlap and drywall tape don't stand a chance. Your simply slowing your bow down adding any of them.

Title: Re: Backings for bows
Post by: tsimo25 on September 09, 2015, 11:00:00 AM

I have had that happen.  In my experience the explosion was more violent without the backing.  I fear the splinters flying around.

Title: Re: Backings for bows
Post by: Wolftrail on September 09, 2015, 06:17:00 PM

Basically what Pearl says and the other guys, I had bows break violently and I mean explode..     :scared:   where the limb almost took my face off..
Why because it was not properly tillered and over built.  In other words it was only 60% complete.
Go slow and do not pull beyond your desired draw weight.

Title: Re: Backings for bows
Post by: John Scifres on September 09, 2015, 09:29:00 PM

Try it.  That's how we learn  :)   Good luck.  Be careful.  Do you have a pulley tillering setup?

Title: Re: Backings for bows
Post by: John Scifres on September 09, 2015, 09:31:00 PM

Try it.  That's how we learn  :)   Good luck.  Be careful.  Do you have a pulley tillering setup?