When to do rawhide backing

[Lee Lobbestael]

When do you apply a backing such as rawhide? Do you do it after you tiller the bow or before you ever bend the bow? Also do you apply it in much the same way as snakeskin? Thanks in advance for any in put!

[Pat B]

It depends on your stave. You should make any corrections with heat before you add a rawhide backing. Other than that before you begin stressing the bow, so after floor tiller. I have tillered bows all the way before adding rawhide but usually the only reason to add any backing is if the back ring is violated, thin ringed or has knot problems.
   I use the same method for both snake skins and rawhide. actually they are both rawhide anyway.     Pat

[Roy Steele]

PATS right both ways will work.I've did it both ways.I have rawhided quite a few bows.But hav'nt backed a bow in 10 years unless someone wanted it backed.I'll deside when I start the bow if it needs backed.If it dose I'll take it down to foor tiller.Then back it.
   Personally I don't pick a stave if it needs backed,anymore.As far as I'm concerned it's just another step to do.I can see three bows standing in the corner right now that needs backed.Some day someone will want a backed bow and i'll have a start on it.

[shamus]

agred with Pat. Apply rawhide before you tiller, and after you've done any corrections.