Why Not Polyester, Rayon?

[Chuck Hoopes]

Of course, they are not "Natural", like silk, hick, rawhide etc. but is there any other reason that makes them unsuitable for backing?  Ive always kind of felt that it is the adhesive that basically provides the added protection, and the "backing material" was basically something to soak up glue and help keep it in place.-- Would not rayon or polyester serve the same purpose?

[Pat B]

Rayon and polyester would probably make a good backing but with water based glues like TBIII, they might not adhere like natural fabrics would. I don't know because I haven't tried them. Anything that will help support the back will make a good backing. A cable backed bow uses a cable made of sinew or plant fiber to support the back. They are attached from tip to tip down the back of the bow. As the bow is drawn the cable tightens and supports the back of the bow.
   Most woods are stronger in tension then they are in compression so unless the back ring has been violated somehow added backings are not necessary. If your back ring has been violated or you are using a board with questionable ring orientation then a backing of some sort is appropriate.

[Chuck Hoopes]

Pat, I have used hick, rawhide, and lately have been using Silk.  I spent alot of time in Good Will, and other second hand clothes outlets in search of silk, and found some, but generally was spending more time on this search than I cared to, not to mention the looks I was getting as I fondled the womens clothes.  I haven't had my hand up so many skirts since college.--Anyway, rayon felt just as smooth and shear as the few silk items I found- and there was lots of that, in lengths suitable to the longest bows I build.

[Pat B]

Give it a try. I have heard of folks using nylon and other synthetics. Like I said the material isn't as important as its ability to protect the bow.

[Crimson mist]

I use a lot of animal print polyesters for making kids bows, they're tough and kids dig them. I have used epoxies and they work ok but they can be messy and I have tried the various water based alphetic resin glues like tite bond and find they adhere poorly even thinned but a fairly runny glue made from knox gelatin does quite well. You need to brush on a soaking coat on the wood first and let that dry before adding more glue and applying the backing and brushing more glue over the backing. Not water resistant so you need to seal the bow well