what kind of backing????

[vth0kie12]

i am a newbe to this site and to the bow making process, i dont know what to use for a backing on the bow i am trying to make. it is just going to be a board bow. thought i better start small. i didnt know if i should get some fiberglass or what. i was thinking of formica, but i did some reading and ruled that out. if anyone can give me some ideas i would appreciate it.

thanks for the help  in advance

[SoNevada Archer]

I would start out with raw hide, it is fairly cheep and works very well.

[vth0kie12]

i know this is a stupid question but how does that work or maybe i should say what type of glue do you use to get it to stick to the back of the bow

also is titebond 111 better than gorilla glue

[vth0kie12]

do i have to back it or will it break if i don't

[Bill Sagues]

I backed my first three red oak board bows with fiberglass drywall tape and titebond 2 wood glue.  Picked up both at Lowes.

[Osagetree]

You don't have to back them but some do to help insure the bow if run outs are visible.

You can get the large rawhide dog bones at wally world, soak them in warm water and take out the knots making a decent backing if you use hide glue or titebond wood glue.

A strip of hickory for the backing would be my choice. Much easier to deal with.

[vth0kie12]

thanks for the help guys i think i am going to try using the rawhide.....does the sheet rock tape come out smooth or is it really rough

[Bill Sagues]

The drywall tape did not come out smooth (for me)  - not that rough but surely not what I would call smooth.

[huntersteve]

As mentioned..you can use a lot of different types of backings....one of the cheapest and easiest to find isa cloth(linen) backing...you can go to your local fabric store and buy a pattern or color of your choice...these make a great backing...and glue it on with titebond II or III...Steve

[Roy Steele]

Start out with raw hide.

[Jeff Smith]

I second the linen, MUCH easier and  has worked well for me, huge increase in safety.

[ALW]

Silk works good as well.  I hear guys on here talk about getting silk ties at thrift shops and using them.  Glue it down with Titebond III wood glue.  I did one with silk and it was very easy.  There are a lot of how-to's on here if you search that walk you through it.

Aaron

[Silent Bear]

Sinew backing is my first choice but when its hard to come by artificial sinew and hemp work very well for good backings

[Pat B]

The cheapest is brown grocery bag paper. Put it down with TiteBond glue and it will work fine. Rawhide, linen, silk, burlap or just about any cloth will work. Brown paper is surprisingly strong and when glued down it makes a good backing.