Which glue?

[Dooley]

Is Titebond 3 suitable for gluing on a rawhide backing?  I have a piece of osage with growth rings averaging 3/64" in thickness which unfortunately, have been violated.  

Also, should I back this wood before I start tillering?

Thanks

[Dano]

Yep, TBIII will be great, and yes I would back it first if your concerned.

[bigcountry]

I did my first rawhiding a few monthes ago.  TBIII has held them tight.

[Pat B]

TB glue works well for rawhide backing. You can add the backing anytime. I prefer to add it after I reach floor tiller and before I stress the limbs to much. One suggestion I have for you. Put down a thin layer of TBIII on the back of the bow first and let it cure out completely. This will give you a vapor barrier that will prevent additional moisture from entering the wood from the glue and rawhide. With just a thin layer of the glue first it's moisture will evaporate without too much getting into the wood.

[Dooley]

Thanks, Pat and Dano.  I have just one more question: After the glue has cured and the rawhide
has completely dried, just WHERE should it be trimmed off?   My thinking is at the edge of the back, but some of the things I've read sound as if it should trimmed at the edge of the belly.

Can you clear this up for me?

[Pat B]

First I trim the excess rawhide with a razor after the glue has dried but not cured(an hour or so). I cut it as close to the edge as I can while the rawhide is still somewhat pliable. Then after it is completely cured I'll use a rasp then a file to reduce the rest of the rawhide and glue to the edge of the back. I then round the edge as with a self bow.

[Dooley]

(First I trim the excess rawhide with a razor after the glue has dried but not cured(an hour or so). I cut it as close to the edge as I can while the rawhide is still somewhat pliable.)
 

Am I correct in assuming that you unwrap your gauze or ace bandage, trim the rawhide and then re-wrap it?

[Dano]

Depends, if you've violated the back that badly, you would want to wrap and trim to the belly for added protection. Most of the time just the back edge, look at it like your adding another growth ring with the hide.

[Pat B]

Yes, I trim it after taking the wrap off. I use strips of old bed sheets. By them the glue is set enough where you shouldn't have to re-wrap it. With some thin rawhide, like deer, I don't always wrap after gluing. If the damp rawhide drapes over the bow loosely enough I see no need to wrap. Same with snake skins.
   I don't think I'd wrap the rawhide to the belly but over the top edge would be OK for me.