Board bow backing options...

[BassBow]

Hey there!

I am making my third board bow out of red oak and walnut. To this point I have only used dry wall tape as my backing. I'd like to use something different this time. Linen perhaps? If I use linen can I tru oil it? Sorry for such a newbie question. I plan on trying tru oil, I just want to check out some other backing options for someone new to bow building. Id like something easy to get where I live. Thanks!

[PEARL DRUMS]

Skip the backing and find a better board if possible. If you must back I highly suggest clean hickory in the 1/8" thick range.

On a side note if you dont mind, I suggest getting your hands on some staves Mike. We live in a bow wood wonderland. You should have a bunch of locust near you and maybe some osage as well. Hop Hornbeam is great.

[dmikeyj]

Tru oil works fine over silk, linen, hemp, paper, etc.
Check your local fabric store (joannes for me) for good linen.

[vanillabear?]

[BassBow]

Thanks gentlemen! Very helpful!

[red hill]

I've made red oak board bows with the dry wall mesh, paper, and without a backing. Tru-oil works on all of them.
Pearl offers good advice. I'd recommend trying hickory next. I think it's easier to work than red oak. Just my thoughts, though.

[LittleBen]

If you're in Michigan you have either hickory or hop hornbeam or both. Cut some staves then go back you the board bow while they dry. If you rough the bows out and clamp em so they don't warp too much they dry fairly quickly. And you can get away without backing. If you find a sawmill I think hickory is cheaper pet board foot than red oak. White oak not far off either.

[George Tsoukalas]

There is info on my site. Jawge
 http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/index.html

[tenbrook]

Paper is real easy cheap and works great!  

Just get yourself an old brown paper bag.