Rawhide Backing

[Lee Lobbestael]

What is the best way to apply rawhide backing to a self bow? Do you glue it on while it is stiff and dry? (I have tried this and found it to be very difficult.) or do you soak it in water to make it supple?

[bigcountry]

I found I had to soak it in water.  And dry out.  I seen folks try it dry and it didn't do very well. at all.

[bjansen]

I layout the rawhide to fit the bow and cut it to size when it is stiff.  I then soak the pieces in water for 15-20 min, meanwhile lightly sanding the back of the bow with 80 grit paper.  I then put a good layer of TB III on the back of the bow and let it sit. I take out the rawhide from the water and pat it down with a towel to remove excess moisture, then apply a layer of TB III to the rawhide and let it sit for 2 minutes or so.  Then I put the rawhide on the bow starting from one tip (clamped on with a smalll clamp) and then work my way down securing it in place with gauze by wrapping around the bow.  Then start your second piece at the handle (to ensure you get the splice nice and neat) and work your way down to the other tip (wrapping it in gauze again for clamping preasure).  Let it sit 24 hours and it should be good to go.

[bigcountry]

When I rawhide again, I will just jute twine.  I have used masking tape once and then ace bandage. The jute twine IMO will let it breath and dry plus you can keep an eye on it.