When exactly to do silk backing on a board bow

[Zradix]

Thanks for the tons of help so far guys.

Making board bow #1.
Going to silk back it.

Also going to add tip overlays.

I'm wondering just when to do the backing.

I'm not quite at that point yet as I'm still tapering the profile and need to thin the limbs.

Anyway, I know I need to round all the edges before tillering.

Should I apply the backing THEN round sand the edges?

Or round the edges then back the bow.

I was a bit worried that having the backing going over the edge as that might cause it to crinkle up when the bow is drawn.

At the same time having the backing completely cover the back sounded good too...


Thank you
   

[scars]

I'm new to bow building also. But after breaking 4 oak boards before getting one to over a 100 arrow shots. Here is my take on when to back your bow. After tapering and once you can get a couple of inches of flex on each limb during floor tiller you should round over the backing edges. Do not use a lot of force to get limb movement during floor tiller. With backing rounded over start your belly bevels or facets, you should be able to get the same couple of inches of floor tiller with less force applied. Once you have done this now would be the time to back your bow.

The oak boards that failed on me happened when I started to tiller or at some point during the tillering process. At the 3rd board I had a splinter lift and I started to think "I should have backed it" At the 4th board I knew I should have back it. What can I say I am a slow learner.


On a side note: I love road races and Le Mans, LOL

Yep, I peeked at your profile, don't shoot any arrows at the tires with your new Bow. Luck

[Zradix]

Thanks for the reply Joe.

First person I've met here that liked Le Mans.          

My buddy and I make an annual trip to road america and camp for a few days for the ALMS race.
Already have tix for this year..our 7th year.

Big changes coming next year..for the better I feel.
I'm pretty much for whatever adds cars to the field at this point.
With more teams, I'm hoping there will be less incentive to "bend" the rules as much as has been happening the last few years just to get some manufacturers in the series.

[LittleBen]

Regarding the backing I'd apply the backig before any tiller it happens. Round the edges after the backing goes on but jus make sure they're rounded well. I would round the edges before much tillering too.

Regarding racing give me F1 or give me death.

[John Scifres]

Do it anytime before you start tillering.  You won't round the edges all that much, just make sure the corners aren't to pronounced.