Paper Thin Osage Grain Lines

[Honest Jon]

Thanks for all the encouraging comments! I learn a lot from every bow I build and the most important lesson is to not give up.  It seems with every bow I build, I find myself at a point where I think seriously about making firewood out of the project. This was one of those but now it’s one of my favorite bows to shoot.
Jon

[Mad Max]

Go to a fabric shop and get a yard of Linen fabric. It will do many bows.
It's great for backing and easy to glue on, you will never go back to raw hide.
Silk is even better.

Nice job on the bow

[Pat B]

...or dig in your closet for a couple of old silk neck ties and kill 2 birds with one shot, protection and paisley camo.    I think you can get used ties at Good Will for about $2 each.

[Kirkll]

I went to the fabric store one time and bought some leopard skin silk…. You want to talk about getting the hairy eye ball in the check out line from all those gals…

I put the silk under clear glass and used smooth on …. Came out looking like leopard skin too…. Problem was… limbs were 55 @ 28” and the only people who like them were the gals. I couldn’t sell em…… all that extra work and I ended up getting the bow camo film dipped, and THEN I sold it…. If someone ever decides to remove that camo job, they are going to get a surprise. 

Kirk

[Flem]

Thats a really fine looking bow. Cosmetically and functionally

Another backing option might be this Flax material I see advertised for use in composites. Quite a few retailers sell the stuff.

[Honest Jon]

Is one layer of linen, silk or flax material adequate for a secure backing? I haven’t used those types of backings other than a couple faux rattlesnake or copperhead backings, and that was mainly for looks. Linen/silk/flax sure sounds simple and cheap. I’ve seen burlap used too.
Jon

[Mad Max]

Yes 1 layer, Hard to believe but it works

Large Brown Paper sack from the Grocery store like we use to get a long time ago works good too.

[Pat B]

I agree, one layer glued down with TiteBond glue. Be sure to degrease the back before applying the backing. Even finger prints can cause the backing to separate from the back.

[Longcruise]

I have considered that with a fairly safe back to begin with that maybe just a few coats of titebond would make a backing.   

Any thoughts on that?  I know just enough about self bows to screw it up.

[Pat B]

TB would make a backing but without some sort of cloth or paper I don't know how strong it would be. If you don't need a backing don't add one.