Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Adam on March 29, 2012, 11:21:34 pm
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Hello everyone,
I'm relatively new to making bows, and I have only made selfbows to this point and haven't made any with a backing. I have a sassafras stave that was given to me and I was thinking of backing it since I've been told it's a marginal wood for durability. I was planning on using linen since I think sinew would tend to be over-powered for the compression strength of sassafras. Is this correct? Also, if I proceed with linen, do I just go to a fabric store and ask for linen or is there more than one type available? When I glue it on, is Tite Bond II sufficient? I really appreciate all the experienced people here who share their knowledge and help us newbies avoid a few mistakes!
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When you go to the fabric store check labels makes sure its 100% linen. And titebond will work just fine.
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I would say it should work fine,never made a sassafras myself but have a friend
that makes a lot of them,he backs them with a thin rawhide and that work good for him so I would think Linen should be fine. Looking forward to seeing it. :)
Pappy
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Hey Adam. I ordered a couple of yards of 7 oz. linen canvas on line and got it shipped to the house. I have backed several bows with it and am really impressed with it's ability to hold a bow together. One yard would have been plenty, though. I think Hobby Lobby or several other suppliers will sell it on line. I did buy some at a fabric store one time as well. I have used Tite Bond 3 and had no problems. It seems to dry clear and the color of the fabric won't be impaired if you saturate it and sort of "squeegie" it down smooth with your fingers.... Once dry, you can sand of the edges in a nice neat line. I am still sort of new at this stuff myself, but I think wider is better when you are working with some of the "other" woods...
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ALL YES'S
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Thanks very much for all the input. I would have never believed that I'd willingly go to the fabric/craft store with my wife! This hobby makes us do strange things! :laugh:
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I've found myself in a fabric store several times since I started this madness. Linen, buttons, thin stretchy cord, etc. etc. They even keep track of what I buy and last time I was there I got a discount based on how much I'd bought previously. The lady's into lots of different crafts herself and is really helpfull with things like leatherwork even though she doesn't carry them.
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Thanks very much for all the input. I would have never believed that I'd willingly go to the fabric/craft store with my wife! This hobby makes us do strange things! :laugh:
I just bought steer hoof dog chews for nock overlays......worked good.
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Once again, thanks for all the help. After looking at some more bows on this site, I started thinking about trying to steam a little reflex into this stave. Does sassafras respond well to this?