Is backing necessary?

[TimberBound]

Hey all,

I was just wondering if backing (linen, silk, drywall tape) is necessary for a red oak board bow, if it has good grain. I will be building one, and although I have built bows before, I've never done it using board before. I don't like the idea of backing for purely aesthetic reasons, but I am willing to back a board bow if it is absolutely necessary.

Thanks for your help

Timberbound

[Dano]

I'm sure Jawge and others will be along soon, but I'd say if the grain is good you don't need to back it.

[2 dogs]

i dont know if its a necessitybut i backed one two days ago and today she blew on the tiller tree on inch from finished draw lenght.broke a hole right thru my fiberglass garage door.so now its back to research and development.

[BamBooBender]

I have made several from red oak boards that are air backed. If the grain is good and you stick with reasonable dimensions then backing is not necessary.