Rawhide backing.......

[robtattoo]

I've got my stave pretty much to the floor tillered stage & I'm wondering if I should back it before I start the tillering proper.
Technically, it doesn't really need it, but it's my first & I would rather be safe than sorry.

[frank bullitt]

What kind of wood, Rob? Yew, osage, etc are you working on? Mike Yancy does a lot of rawhide.

[Pat B]

Rob, now is a good time to add the rawhide backing if you are done with all heat corrections. You could wait until after first brace to be sure everything lines up then add the backing.
 What glue are you using? If TBIII add a thin layer first, let it cure then put down the rawhide. The first "sizing" will act as a vapor barrier to prevent the stave from talking on the moisture from the glue/rawhide.
 If your stave is osage and it has good rings and the back is knot free you shouldn't need the rawhide backing. Lately I've been rawhide backing any osage that has knots or pins on the back.

[robtattoo]

It's Osage & there are a few mid-limb knots, although I was veer careful around them. Belt & suspenders & all that.....

Didn't think about heat corrections though. There is a bit of deflex & a dogleg I need to correct first.

I know it's dumb, but I need this bow to work! I really want to take a bear with homebuilt gear & my hunt us in June! I'm not workingthis alone at home, I'm traveling up to Twin Oaks whenever I can so that Will & Pappy can walk me through it.
I will be doing the selfbow challenge this year though, mainly as insurance!

[Pat B]

With Pappy and Will helping you should have a very good bow to take your bear with.
 Save the raw hide for later, after first brace if everything lines up.

[frank bullitt]

Yep, Pat's right, with Pappy's group and instruction, no helped needed here!

But how about some pics of the stave and progress along the way?

Look forward to seeing it!

Good shootin,
Steve