Backing for a pyramid board bow.

[fireball31]

Does anybody back a pyramid style board bow such as the one in the buildalong thread.  If you do, what do you use (i.e. Linen, rawhide, sinew,) Thanks.

[4est trekker]

I just posted a bow identical to the one in the build-along (except for the handle design and limb width) that I backed with brown paper.  I like to use brown paper because it's light, but when saturated with glue creates a tight, strong, wood-fiber veneer.  Low mass is important when the limbs are that wide (in this case 2 1/4").  VERY easy to obtain and apply.

[Pat B]

I built a hickory backed red oak pyramid bow a few years ago. MysticGuido(Sal) has it now. It is a good hard shooting bow.

[Bow-cephus]

Ok, so I'm very curious now, I understand the impotance of grain straightness in a board for a good bow; But does the backing (i.e. Hickory) need to be straight grained as well? Also how would Black Walnut do for a board bow backing?

[Pat B]

Backing grain should be as straight as possible. I have made hickory backed bows with bad back violations that worked fine but don't recommend it as a general practice. I like experimenting with such things.
  Black walnut is not a good candidate as a backing strip. It will make a pretty good belly though if backed with hickory or better yet maple or elm backing.

[fireball31]

Thanks guys.  I found your post 4est trekker, I think I'm gonna give it a try.  I might even mess around with some art work on the paper.