Backing ?'s

[bowhntineverythingnh03743]

Hey guys-
  I spent six hours on a red oak board bow for a trade that is going on at the PA site. I didn't want to ask to many questions on that site because I want this to be a surprise as much as it can for my guy that was picked for me.

I plan on backing the red oak with rawhide since the guy draws between 28-31 inches... keeping you guessing on the actual draw. Anyways the bow is roughted out to shape and taken down to 1/2 inch thickness. The limbs are starting to bend slightly.

I was wondering do I back the bow now where it is or should I do it once the bow is floor tillered more? The bow is 66 inches ttt and I have added tip overlays so that it looks more like a recurve. I need the bow to be between 47-60 pounds so that is why I want to back it with rawhide... plus I have never backed anything so I thought I give it a shot. Thanks guys for the help. I would add pictures but photobucket is being a pain in the butt....

Justin

[John Scifres]

Do it now.  Rawhide won't add much, if any, draw weight if that is what you meant.

[Osagetree]

Don't forget to let it dry out for up to a week to insure the moisture from the glue and hide is gone.

[bowhntineverythingnh03743]

Ok guys sounds good... So can I use titebond 3 and wrap it with ace bandage? Gonna soak the rawhide in warm water for a few minutes to soften it up too

[John Scifres]

Yes.  I prefer gauze though.  Cheaper and lets more air through.  I would just get the rawhide a little wet and let it relax without getting real slimy.  It can get tricky to work with when really wet.  I generally run it through warm water and then let it sit for 10 minutes or so.

[bowhntineverythingnh03743]

Thanks guys for the info. The rawhide is on and I let it set up over night with the bandages on it. I took it off this morning following the directions I found online and they came out great... NO AIR BUBBLES!!! Happy Happy Happy!

Now my next question is when it is ready to finish the bow do I sand the rawhide a little and put some tru oil over it.... OR what would be the best way to finish the bow because I have no clue

Thanks guys you all rock!

Justin

[Pat B]

Justin finish the bow just like if the rawhide wasn't on it. Sometimes I will put a thin layer of TBIII over the rawhide,let it cure out then add the finish.

[bowhntineverythingnh03743]

alright Pat thanks for the heads up!

[awishanew]

One question about the rawhide?? Do you cut it to the exact size or do you let it overlap then trim when dry?

[macbow]

I cut mine very close but do,a,little trimming after it is pretty dry but not hard.
Then when totally dry do some filling and sanding.

[Pat B]

I do like Macbow.