Linen Backing Question

[crgibson]

I just added some thin linen backing to my hickory D-belly bow mostly for safety cause its so thin across the back. Its 48-50# at 25" Bends through handle and has approx over a 100 shots know signs of stress anywhere, but it just kind of freaks me out.

I sized the back let it dry, then spread TB3 Added linen worked out from 4" handle to tips, then added some thinned down TB3 to top surface again worked from handle to tips..

Question is do I add more TB or just let it dry and seal with finish? And how long do I give the TB to dry till I string and shoot it again?

 Thanks, Chuck

[Nim-rod]

I've done a few Linen backed bows and leave it to dry for one day then put more glue on top and then wait for two days before stringing. So far so good. Might be overkill I don't know but works for me. I soak the Linen in water first and wring it out and the glue really soaks in that way. I do many coats of Tung oil to seal after and it comes out nice and smooth and glossy. I helped do a friends Maple board bow (his first) and I think the Linen is the only reason that bow is still shooting strong.

[crgibson]

Thanks Steve, Crg

[Pat B]

If the linen is totally saturated with glue you don't need to add more glue. That will just add more physical weight which leads to hand shock.
  One thing that most folks don't consider is that TB glues are water based. When you apply it to dry wood the wood will absorbe some before the glue cures. You have to give the wood enough time to expell the moisture and that moisture now has to travel down through the wood because the back is sealed. So let it rest as long as you can. Maybe even a week in humid areas. Excess moisture leads to set in an stressed bow.

[crgibson]

Cool, Thanks Pat

[briarjumper12]

I been wanting to try linen.  What kind do you get and where would you look for it?  There are now fabric shops in my area.  Just Wal-mart.

[dmikeyj]

Thrift stores, John.  You can get linen from outfits, and some thrifts have a fabric section.

[crgibson]

I second the thrift stores I just pick up some really nice Linen for a $1.00 enough too do 6-7 bows. Good Luck briarjumper12, Crg

[briarjumper12]

Thank you gentlemen.  I will be keeping my eyes peeled.

[Fantom_42]

I got my linen from a pair of woman's trousers I bought on a thrift store.

[Nim-rod]

I got two yards for a bit under $20 from an actual fabric shop. Should be good for many bows. You can get one yard and splice but I wanted a continuous strip. It is a medium weight fabric in white so I can dye it any color I want. I looked at the local walmart and couldnt find any there. I did see some at a Hobby Lobby once so there are places to get it.