Backing thickness & taper

[jimmyZ]

Spliced a couple of osage slats that were given to me and plan to make a bow. I want to back with hickory and had several questsions:
1) What thickness should the hickory backing be? I have heard 1/4, 3/16, and 1/8
2) Should the backing be tapered to the tips from the handle area?
3) Should the osage slat be tapered as well? If so how much?

Thanks for the help.

JZ

[Bob Barnes]

any of the above thicknesses will work...but I like 1/8"...if it's thicker you can tiller using the back too...     I do not taper mine because I like the tips to be stiff...I don't taper the osage for the same reason...
have fun.
Bob

[Robertfishes]

Hey Jim, wish I answer your question, but I can't..have you considered the buying one or all of the "Bowyers Bible" series of books? there are other books that you may consider too..Maybe Donnie W can help you??

[Pat B]

I use 1/8" hickory for backing and do not taper it. I do taper the belly so the limbs bend evenly and together at floor tiller stage then I glue it up in reflex. Place tips on 2x4 blocks on edge and pull the handle to the table. This will give you about 2" or a bit more of reflex when unclamped. Your finished bow should come out with 1" of reflex or a flat profile. TBII or TBIII is a good glue for your projects.