leather backing

[Don Armstrong]

Probably been ask a thousand times but couldn't find in a search. Thin leather and Titebond III. Will that work and do you add backing before tillering. Thanks, Don

[Dublin Joe]

I think you back then tiller unless it's a sinewed recurve.  TBIII is good stuff and should perform well, but it's customary to use hide glue.  TBIII is waterproof, though, so that may be the better choice.

Post pics and good luck; I'm hoping to get some rawhide soon and will likely be asking the same question.

Joel

[Pat B]

IMO, leather will add little protection and can have adverse effects because it will absorb moisture like a sponge. If you are backing for insurance or simple protection silk, linen or rawhide all work well. All work well with TBIII. If you want to add performance use wood, bamboo or sinew for a bows backing.

[John Scifres]

Leather stretches a lot and is relatively heavy.  Use rawhide.  I prefer TB3 over hideglue for rawhide.

[Don Armstrong]

PLEASE excuse my ignorance but I thought leather and rawhide were the same. I have some leather or rawhide I bought from a supplier. I will need to figure out what I have. Please clarify the difference for me. Thanks, Don

[Pat B]

Leather has been chemically to preserve and soften. Rawhide is just that, a hide that has been stretched and dried...raw!

[walkabout]

rawhide is like the stuff dog chews are made out of, gray-white and stiff. leather usually isnt stiff unless its frozen or treated with wax.

[getstonedprimitivebowhunt]

Heres a deer rawhide Osage I just finished today ! I used hot hide glue .... poly ..wax finish !

55" 60# @ 28"

[David Ricke]

Don, You may want to consider burlap as a backing. I have used it with TiteBond three on a couple of hickory bows with good results. Simply coat the back with glue and let dry. Apply a second coat and apply the burlap. Keep applying coats of glue over the burlap until the grain is filled. Good Hunting  Knifemaker

[Don Armstrong]

Thanks guys, Don