Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: Aesthetics43560 on May 17, 2018, 12:51:39 pm

Title: Where can I buy thin birch bark to back a bow?
Post by: Aesthetics43560 on May 17, 2018, 12:51:39 pm

I actually want to buy a bow that does not come with birch bark, but I want to add it for decoration.

Is there a place where I can find pliable, ready to apply thin birch bark?

Also what kind of glue should I use?

Should it be applied in segments to allow it room to stretch or is just one solid piece on each limb fine?

Thanks!

Title: Re: Where can I buy thin birch bark to back a bow?
Post by: bushboy on May 17, 2018, 02:56:09 pm

What part of the world are you from?

Title: Re: Where can I buy thin birch bark to back a bow?
Post by: Aesthetics43560 on May 17, 2018, 03:01:47 pm

Ohio, USA

Its also an issue of my skill level. I dont wanna screw it up

Title: Re: Where can I buy thin birch bark to back a bow?
Post by: bushboy on May 17, 2018, 03:11:10 pm

If I was to try it,I would go with a tiger pattern.chances are there are paper birch around you.a clear drying wood glue may work?

Title: Re: Where can I buy thin birch bark to back a bow?
Post by: Aesthetics43560 on May 17, 2018, 03:52:10 pm

Quote from: bushboy on May 17, 2018, 03:11:10 pm

If I was to try it,I would go with a tiger pattern.chances are there are paper birch around you.a clear drying wood glue may work?

Im not sure I can correctly identify a birch tree lol. Id rather just order it online.

Is there a good place to get paper birch bark online?

Title: Re: Where can I buy thin birch bark to back a bow?
Post by: Pat B on May 17, 2018, 04:53:07 pm

Check with some of our sponsors and also check on Trading Post.

Title: Re: Where can I buy thin birch bark to back a bow?
Post by: Marc St Louis on May 17, 2018, 06:06:49 pm

I have a 20" Birch tree next to my house and could get you some, depending on when you want it and how much you want.

Title: Re: Where can I buy thin birch bark to back a bow?
Post by: bubby on May 17, 2018, 06:17:07 pm

Carson at echo archery has cherry bark backing, makes a pretty bow. Maybe go to the trading Post page here and see what you can get

Title: Re: Where can I buy thin birch bark to back a bow?
Post by: Aesthetics43560 on May 17, 2018, 06:57:01 pm

Quote from: Marc St Louis on May 17, 2018, 06:06:49 pm

I have a 20" Birch tree next to my house and could get you some, depending on when you want it and how much you want.

Nice!

Id want it as soon as possible but can wait a couple weeks or a month.

How much would you sell it for?

I need enough to back a 49 inch turkish bow, so not terribly much id imagine. However a little extra to make up for user error (first time doing it) might be nice.

Title: Re: Where can I buy thin birch bark to back a bow?
Post by: Marc St Louis on May 18, 2018, 06:37:26 am

Sorry not for sale.  Maybe we could talk trade.  I'll have a look at the tree to see what I can get off it without damaging the tree

Title: Re: Where can I buy thin birch bark to back a bow?
Post by: mullet on May 18, 2018, 08:41:33 am

Heh,heh, ;D, thought I was going to get to issue a warning. ;)

Title: Re: Where can I buy thin birch bark to back a bow?
Post by: Marc St Louis on May 18, 2018, 02:48:49 pm

Maybe I should rephrase that last post just so I can get that warning  :)

Title: Re: Where can I buy thin birch bark to back a bow?
Post by: the barkman on May 23, 2018, 05:14:52 pm

Birch is probably the easiest tree to identify in the entire world :).

 The bark is startlingly white with black, horizontal lines all over it.

Best time to harvest is right now in Spring, whilst the sap is still running up and down the trunk.  It should peel right off.

During Fall, when the sap starts moving down into the roots for Winter it becomes very difficult if not impossible

to get a good piece off.  If you pull off a piece that is less than a third of the circumference of the trunk, the tree has a pretty good chance of survival.

Done at the correct time of year it's so easy one can use a small (sharp) pocket knife.

Good luck!

Title: Re: Where can I buy thin birch bark to back a bow?
Post by: Parnell on May 25, 2018, 09:39:24 am

Did you build the Turkish bow?