Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Catkinson on July 28, 2021, 06:54:03 pm
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Built a couple red oak bows now and have enjoyed the process. Working on a hickory board bow now. I'm almost done with final tillering and was wondering if I can back it now or is it too late? Basically I’m not liking the string follow and set that it has taken. Thanks for the help in advance.
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You might consider building a reflex form and heat treating the belly on your form. It will add some weight and reduce/eliminate string follow. Hickory loves heat treatment.
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Generally I would plan a backed bow from the get go. You can add a backing, drawing the bow into 3" to 4" of reflex at glue up. Hickory, maple, elm or bamboo can be used for the backing. OR, you could start a new bow using the knowledge you've gotten up til now and give this first bow to a someone else, a kid maybe. OR, what Will said.
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Great info fellows thank you !
Learning as I go .
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As has been said Hickory loves heat treating. It has to be done before glueing on a backing. Unless I just wanted a backed bow I would and do just clamp both ends to a flat surface with a block of wood under the handle. This will give you a slight reflex about half of which will pull out.
With a good toast color heat treat you could end up with a straight bow after shooting it in.
I’ve had good luck with this method. Your mileage may vary.
P.s. the tiller will need to be checked and more than likely a little work after heat treating.
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Thank you Woody !
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You can run into problems trying to heat treat an already tillered bow. It ain't all a bed of roses :)
No point backing it once it is already done. You would add a bunch of draw weight and have to start tillering again.