« previous next »
Pages: [1] 2

Author Topic: Board bow backing question  (Read 3297 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline justsomedude

  • Member
  • Posts: 130
Board bow backing question
« on: January 27, 2017, 08:53:07 pm »
I am building my first bow. Home Depot Red Oak 1x2. It had pretty good grain. It is 71" end to end and I glued on a 10" block for riser which will be tapered to a 5" grip area. I plan to cut a shelf. 40#@28" is my target draw weight. Tips are 1/2" wide and 3/8" thick (not shaped yet).

I am going to back the bow with some camo cohesive tape/Titebond III. I have..it's a nice pattern that should look pretty slick (better than drywall fiberglass :).

QUESTION: Is it necessary to run the backing the full length (through the riser) or can I just run it to the fades of the riser from each end? I just want to be free to shape the grip without making a mess of the backing. I am guessing that the doubled up riser shouldn't need backing.
« Last Edit: January 27, 2017, 09:20:09 pm by justsomedude »
Logged

Offline Knoll

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,016
  • Mikey
Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #1 on: January 27, 2017, 10:04:11 pm »
Going to wrap grip with something ... leather, hemp twine, ets,etc? If so, making a mess of the backing in grip area is no biggy as it'll be covered by wrap. Also, stopping backing before grip area may not be aesthetically pleasing ... particularly if backing is not a natural material.   ;)
Goodluck!
« Last Edit: January 27, 2017, 10:10:07 pm by Knoll »
Logged
... alone in distant woods or fields, in unpretending sproutlands or pastures tracked by rabbits, even in a bleak and, to most, cheerless day .... .  I suppose that this value, in my case, is equivalent to what others get by churchgoing & prayer.  Hank Thoreau, 1857

Offline justsomedude

  • Member
  • Posts: 130
Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #2 on: January 27, 2017, 11:01:18 pm »
That's a good point. I guess I can clean it up around the shelf. Just didn't want to paint myself into a corner....

Should I  try to do some shaping before I back it?
Logged

Offline PatM

  • Member
  • Posts: 6,737
Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #3 on: January 27, 2017, 11:39:33 pm »
Shaping a grip should not affect your backing.  How are you worried about it?
Logged

Offline justsomedude

  • Member
  • Posts: 130
Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #4 on: January 27, 2017, 11:44:24 pm »
If I wanted to round/shape the front more after the backing is already on...the backing would be sanded off the grip then anyway. If I shape it out first, then I don't have the option of deciding which limb is the top after I get more into tillering.

I know all of this will all be more obvious after I do a few more
Logged

Offline bow101

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,235
Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #5 on: January 27, 2017, 11:54:47 pm »
I have done it both ways, full length or up to the fades,  problem using linen its does not clean up that great on the edges like silk or other backings.  Titebond III works great.  I would first apply a thin coating as a sizing, the backing seems to adhere better.  Silk is out for me.
Logged
"The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are."  Joseph Campbell

Offline RyanY

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,997
Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #6 on: January 28, 2017, 12:13:38 am »
If the grain is good then don't back it.  ::)
Logged

Offline justsomedude

  • Member
  • Posts: 130
Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #7 on: January 28, 2017, 02:07:27 am »
But I'm a chicken!
Logged

Offline bow101

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,235
Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #8 on: January 28, 2017, 01:29:11 pm »
Quote from: Ryan Yoon (ryoon4690) on January 28, 2017, 12:13:38 am
If the grain is good then don't back it.  ::)

Good point I had a few break with backing and it was very subtle.   Others have broke VIOLENTLY without backing.  Lucky I still have a face, and I have lots of experience breaking bows... ;)
Logged
"The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are."  Joseph Campbell

Offline bubby

  • Member
  • Posts: 11,054
Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #9 on: January 28, 2017, 03:47:49 pm »
Bows break, backed or not, I've had backed bows explode violently and nonbacked just fold over, if it's gonna break it breaks
Logged
failure is an option, everyone fails, it's how you handle it that matters.
The few the proud the 27🏹

Offline bow101

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,235
Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #10 on: January 28, 2017, 10:59:53 pm »
I never had a backed bow explode violently.  Maybe you broke more than me.. ;D
« Last Edit: January 28, 2017, 11:05:25 pm by bow101 »
Logged
"The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are."  Joseph Campbell

Offline justsomedude

  • Member
  • Posts: 130
Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #11 on: January 28, 2017, 11:28:13 pm »
I went ahead and backed it to get the experience of doing it.
Logged

Offline justsomedude

  • Member
  • Posts: 130
Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #12 on: February 01, 2017, 01:44:27 pm »
I was able to sand the edges of the fabric into the wood as long as there was plenty of titebond in it.
I carved out the grip to fit my hand so I won't likely wrap it.
Logged

Offline Springbuck

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,545
Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #13 on: February 01, 2017, 02:35:14 pm »
That's pretty cool.

What is that camo tape made.of?
Logged

Offline DC

  • Member
  • Posts: 10,396
Re: Board bow backing question
« Reply #14 on: February 01, 2017, 02:37:25 pm »
That works just fine!
Logged
Pages: [1] 2
« previous next »