Rawhide backing

[robtattoo]

Could one of you bowyers possibly help me out? I've got a little Osage selfbow, 58" 51#@29" It's a lovely little thing, made by David (Huntrdfk) but I was wondering...

Would it be possible to increase the draw-weight with a rawhide backing, without having to re-tiller?

Does rawhide backing work that way?

I'd love to build my own project bow, but simply don't have the resources over here! A half useable Yew stave would cost me as much, if not more than a finished bow!
I don't want to detract from David's work in any way, I'd just lik to put my own little 'mark' on a selfbow!

If it is even remotely possible, could somebody please give me a few hints/tips on the operation?
I've looked long & hard at Mickey's web-page, but can't find a tutorial on applying a rawhide back.
Thanks!

[John Scifres]

Rawhide won't add much weight if any.  Sinew might be a better option.

[Flatstick]

I've never gained any weight on a bow after only applying rawhide, it will save a bow that has problems from breaking.

I apply wet rawhide to a bow with Tite-Bond II wood glue. But any brand of waterproof wood glue should do the job.

Other than sinew,,,steaming the bow, adding set-back / reflex to it and re-tillering would probably be your only choice to gain weight.

 Unless you can shorten the bow? But depending on your draw length, that may over stress the bow.