Backing a Hickory Selfbow

[jacobwyn]

Hey guys I'm new to the site and new to bowyering. I am working on my second selfbow it is a 64" hickory stave that is roughed out and waiting to be tillered. My question is, I would like it to be around 55# @ 29.5 or 30" and i'm thinking it's gonna be near impossible. Do you think maybe a hickory or bamboo backing would help me achieve this?  

[TheFatboy]

Hickory backed hickory bow? I'd love to see that  :D

As you may know, hickory is possibly one of the best woods in tension. If anything, hickory should be the backing.

[Pat B]

If you have a good back ring on your stave, no other backing is necessary or warranted. 64" is a bit short for a 30" draw but it is doable if care is taken. Make your limbs a bit wider(1 3/4" to 2"), keep the belly flat and get the limbs bending at least to the fades if not into the fades.

[jacobwyn]

Yeah my limbs are 1 3/4" tapering to a little bit wider than 5/8" nocks it's still rough and I left everything a little bit wider for that reason. Thanks for the help guys I'll post some pics if it turns out ok.

[2treks]

Hickory backed hickory is an awesome bow, and easy to do. But like Pat said, be careful and you can get it.

[Dano]

I have made a couple of HBH's, glued up in Perry reflex they are a decent bow.