... deer rawhide backing ..... just ....hide glued ...on Osage ...HOW LONG TO DRY !!

[getstonedprimitivebowhunt]

I just put on a deer rawhide on the back of a osage bow I'm making. I have been making selfbows for many years but this is the first with rawhide backing. I used hot hide glue... MY ?????? how long before I can work the hide/bow ......Thanks Guy ...Jeff

[getstonedprimitivebowhunt]

This is two hours after I put rawhide backing on. I took off ACE BANDAGE. Its dryer at one end. I guess I should of laid it flat. I think liquid ran downhill ...lol ! Look good though... Hope it stays on...Jeff

[getstonedprimitivebowhunt]

...also ...can you "dry heat" bow after rawhide is on. I might need too take out a little twist ..I forgot to do before ??????

[John Scifres]

Cool.  I have one that looks like that.  I'd give it a couple weeks in an air conditioned space. Your wood will actually soak up the water so it will take it that long to equilibrate.

[John Scifres]

I have heat bent a backed bow without issue.  Go easy with it.  Heat only the belly.

[getstonedprimitivebowhunt]

John ..thanks !!! The bows 55 inch nock to nock. I'm going for 55# at 27. Kind of a working handle. I'll keep pics going on this post as the bow goes on....Jeff

[getstonedprimitivebowhunt]

John got any pics of your bow?

[John Scifres]

Not handy.

[Pat B]

Looks good Jeff. I've not tried hide glue with rawhide but I've heard it is the best way to go being the glue and backing is made from the same proteins.

[getstonedprimitivebowhunt]

day 2 ... trimmed and light sanded raw hide....just need to let it dry more before drawing it again and final tillering !!! This is fun !!!

   

The Osage/raw hide selfbow is :
55 inch nock to nock
55-60# @ 27 inch draw

[bigcountry]

I let mine sit for a week just to make sure.

Wonder why none of my rawhide bows turn out golden brown like that.  All mine are just white.

[getstonedprimitivebowhunt]

I used thin deer raw hide and "hot" hide glue. I also rubbed some hide glue on outside of raw hide.