Rawhide question...Has anyone applied while reflex is introduced

[glenbo]

Has anyone applied rawhide to a selfbow that was held in a reflexed state? I was wondering if it would hold,or if the rawhide will tear from excessive tension.I am working with a hickory stave and granular hide glue.Thanks  glen

[Pat B]

Does the hickory stave need a raw hide backing? Unless it is a board with bad violations or grain runoffs it shouldn't need a backing.
  You can add rawhide to a stave that is held in reflex but it is not going to change the performance of the bow any. Hide glue is probably the best glue for rawhide because they are both made of the same substance.
  I see you are in NY. How is the humidity there?  Hickory, rawhide and hide glue are all very hygroscopic, meaning they take of moisture as the humidity climbs. Even with a good finish the bow will be real soft during high humidity times. A self bow, even hickory, fends better in high humidity than a rawhide or sinew backed bow will so if not needed a backing can be detrimental.

[glenbo]

Thanks Pat.There is a spot about 6 in from the upper limb tip where a gradual ring violation has occured,about a 1 inch long dip that is a half inch wide.It would probally be o k as is but will haunt me every time I draw it back.glen

[John Scifres]

Rawhide will take a bit of tension load but it isn't the best material for that.  If you want a backing to take tension and return some of the work, use sinew.  Personally, I wouldn't worry about a spot 6" from the tip.  I pretty much stop them bending there anyway.  How long is the bow?

[macbow]

Like John says it should be in a safe area.

If worried I'd wrap with sinew about a in or more wide fill with glue and sawdust to make it smooth and paint it with a sharpie. do the same on both ends and it will look good and make you feel better.
Ron

[glenbo]

Thanks Guys