Laminated Bow

[DW Dyer]

I picked up one of those bow kits at a silent auction a while back. It is laminated, I believe it is Ipe backed with Hickory. The grain on the hickory kind of runs off to the side of the bow in one spot. Should I be concerned about this being a weak point and breaking? Should I consider backing it with something to help strengthen it?

[DW Dyer]

I'm thinking about using deer hide to back this bow. Which would be the best side to adhere to the bow, the hair side or the under side of the hide. (there's no hair on the hide).

[Rich Evans]

i always glue down the flesh side and that way i can sand the hair side smooth before i cover it with snake skins.  keep in mind the rawhide will glow almost clear so you can see blemishes and any markings on the bow through the rawhide after it cures.

[Osagetree]

Heres looking down the limb of a hickory backed bow. It has many run outs but still held together and is still shooting several years later.
   

[DW Dyer]

Thanks!