Self bow and Glass?

[DarkeGreen]

Okay, I know it won't be a self bow if I put glass on it, but I was thinking it may be easier to make a good first bow. Several companies sell osage boards pretty cheap that have to be backed with something. I was thinking clear glass would help it retain the look of a self bow but be easier to tiller and end up with a useable bow. Would this be a good thing or a bad thing? I don't have the necessary tools to prep boo for a backing but that would be my second choice. I want to try to make a bow this summer in the 50# range.

[Ryan O'Sullivan]

Why not a hickory backing? You can buy one ready to glue on.

[Pat B]

I'm with Ryan. You can buy(or cut your own) hickory backing, a tube of TBIII and in a few days have a very nice, hard hitting bow. The only tools you will need is a good wood rasp and a scraper.   Pat

[Mike Byrge]

I've made several glass-backed board bows from hickory, osage and bamboo-flooring.

It won't be any easier to tiller (you are still tillering the belly)  but IMO  more durable than hickory and easier than bamboo.  

Use the same width/length dimension as you would for a hickory or bamboo backing.

It won't be any faster or take less set than an all wood bow but it is a good way to make a durable bow if you don't care that it isn't all natural.

[Iktomi]

Screw glass. Real bows aren't buggered up with such modern contrivances    :cool:

[Pat B]

I don't know why you say a glass backed bow is more durable than a bow backed with boo or hickory. I have both boo and hickory backed bows with lots of shots through them, they get shot throughout the whole year and still have the kick they need for the next hunting season. Some of my bows have thousands of shots through them. Plus, I would rather mess with hickory or boo saw dust than fiberglass. I admit, for me, boo ain't all that easy to deal with.   Pat

[Mike Byrge]

I've made a pile of hickory backed bows too Pat and I agree it's a good backing material.  I've had a few lift a splinter though and the last few batches of hickory backing that I bought were marginal at best.  Cutting you own is a good option if you you have a big table-saw or bandsaw and a good board or log to start with.

I like bamboo too but I don't have the power tools to prep boo and like you said it is not easy to deal with.

Unless you really hinge or overstress the belly I don't think a glass backed bow is going to break.

[Richard Saffold]

Dark, That borders on heresy..

Indiana has plenty of  trees which will yield a fine bow..for free.I've received fine osage and hop hornbeam from your state..There's probably a lumberyard in your region which might have osage on hand and you can pick out the right one, and won't need a backing...and you could get that as well if you wish..

And there's probably a club in your area where some guy/gal is making great wood bows and you will get some hands on tutoring..for free as well..

[DarkeGreen]

There is a ton of osage around me. In fact if I look out off my back deck I can see a full mile ridge line of nothing but orange. The issue around here is getting someone to let you cut it. I don't know what happen for sure but farmers around here just aren't letting anyone on their land. I watched the farmer that owns it drive 1/2 mile to tell someone to get the heck out of his fields. Another case I was hunting with a buddy on his uncles land and the farmer next door stood on the hill with a gun and watched us all morning long to be sure we didn't cross the fence.

I've been told the area up here was listed as the second best place in the nation to hunt pheasants a few years back. They said folks came from every state you can imagine and cut fences, shot trees, tractors, truck, combines, barns, and cows. They generally trashed the place and left a mess in their wake. When I was growing up we had area we were told not to hunt even if you had permission from the farmer. They said if they don't know it's you they will shoot at you! Folk still haven't got past that I guess. I know one lady told me she didn't let anyone hunt because someone was cutting trees down along the river. I hunted the other side of the river and knew what was going on and told her. Beavers were so think every tree smaller than 4" diameter had been chewed thru.

Anyhow...I've ask and have yet to gain access to yellow wood. There are some really big, straight trees within 5 minute walking distance from me too. Such is life.

I was really thinking about doing this as a first time learning thing and figured I could screw up more and still end up with a bow.  

A couple of people have pm'd me with the osage/hickory combo recommendation and I am thinking about going that route now. At some point I want to make a all osage bow and a BBO. I just didn't figure I should start there.

I did find a couple places that claim to have straight staves with "good" growth rings for $10. Right now I'm wondering if that is the same thing as good swamp land for sell.    

Thanks for the recommendations.