Fiber backing a bow questions

[dmikeyj]

I am looking for some info on backing bows with natural fiber- I have some ramie roving (already combed nicely) that I would like to use to back a bow, and have not had much luck finding many threads that deal with backing with a raw fiber.
My first thought is to do it like you would sinew, aside from tying it into reflex first, as the natural fibers won't shrink like the sinew does.

Anyway, any info would be appreciated, as well as any pics of bows you guys have done.

Thanks,
Mike

[Dan Landis]

There is a few paragraphs in TBB Vol.#1, pg. 107 pertaining to fiber backings, mostly flax though, and I believe there is more in vol.#4 on various types of backing materials.....Dan

[Pat B]

Two guys backed bows last spring at the Tenn Classic with raw flax. I think they used TBIII for the glue and layed it down like sinew.

[dmikeyj]

Thanks Dan, I have read all I could find in the TBB's, what I am really looking for is help from someone who has actually backed a bow with fibers, or at least some videos/write-ups on the process.

If I can't find much, I guess I am going to just jump in and figure it out, I just like to have my bases covered as much as possible.

Pat, do you know the guys that did the flax-backing?  I'd like to talk to them if you do.

[Pat B]

One's name is Bear G on the PA website but I don't know his real name.
  I'd say to size the back with the glue and lay down bundles of the fiber, overlapping the ends. Use bundles about the size of a pencil.  I think you should wet the fibers first to be sure they accept the glue well. Work down the center of the limb then out to either side as you work out the limb.

[dmikeyj]

Thanks, Pat, I will check there for Bear G.
I am planning to use Knox, no reason it shouldn't work with ramie, but yeah- I will test it out first.

Mike