ERC and backing

[ericmerg]

ok to increase my chances of making a bow that works do i HAVE to back ERC if i do have to back it whats the best things to back it with im thinking bamboo but not sure

[mwosborn]

I am currently working on a ERC - thinking I will back it with rawhide.  Curious what the others will say.

[ericmerg]

im curious to hear about your ERC i would love to hear any notes, problems,or  things to look out for etc that you've came across

[Black Mockingbird]

Sinew is my fav backing for ERC

[mwosborn]

Eric - Here is a link to a couple of pics I posted a while back.

Mitch

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=008256#000000

[ericmerg]

how did working around those small knots mine seems to have quite a few im guessing right around the 2-25 mark as a guestimate

[coaster500]

If it's got some knots I would back it for sure.

My first ERC was kind of spooky. It never broke but I felt like the next shot would send slivers everywhere. The second was a much better stave to start with but after the first I backed it with rawhide.

ERC is the first wood I've used that I felt needed to be backed. I was probably just chicken from the first one???

 
     
     


 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=008069#000000

[mwosborn]

With all the knots, I couldn't use my draw knife much to rough it out.  Used mostly the sander to rough it out.  Then scrapper and sand paper to tiller.  Not worried about the knots on the belly.  The knots on the back, I filled with super glue - several applications over a few days.  I then sanded them fairly smooth.  Now I will back with some deer rawhide.  Will see how it works.  If she breaks I am sure it will be at a knot.  Oh well I need the practice anyway as I have some very clean ERC drying.

[dmikeyj]

It's common to back ERC with something, whether its silk, linen, paper.  But, if there ever were a perfect wood made for sinew backing, its the junipers. (ERC= juniperus virginiana)

 

Mike

[7 Lakes]

The bamboo stands a good chance of crushing the ERC.  I like rawhide or silk.  Call me if you decide to take the plunge, I have a ERC board that's as close to perfect as you can get.  I've been meaning to get to it but just haven't got the time these days.

[LittleBen]

My experience with ERC is you dont have to back it, but you need to make sure the back is really nice. Any knots of those craters it can have can be disasterous.

I sinew backed one and it must be 50-55# @26" and 64" long. holds 1" reflex and has been shot quite a bit. I wouod go with rawhide unless you have alot of time to get rid of sinew backing.

Good luck, I love ERC, shapes so easily it makes me hate the hardwoods sometimes.