hickory low bow backing

[tnhornhter1099]

has anyone backed a hickory board bow with fiberglass?

[Pat B]

Why? There are plenty more appropriate backings for any wood bow. I'd use brown grocery bag paper before I'd use FG. I'd actually make it a selfbow before backing with FG.

[tnhornhter1099]

just starting my first hickory bow, I know very little about it so I thought I would ask the guys that have been there and done that, it seemed like it might work but I am guessing that its not  a good idea?

[Pat B]

FG can be too strong for a red oak or white oak bow. Brown grocery bag makes a very suitable backing as would silk, linen or rawhide.

[LittleBen]

I'm with Pat.

I wouldn't use the fiberglass.

If your hickory is straight grained then no backing is necessary.

Take your time, use the tillering gizmo, and make sure the corners on the limbs are well rounded and you shouldn't have to worry about the back of a hickory bow failing under tension.

[tnhornhter1099]

thanks a ton guys

[Brock]

hickory does not need to be backed if using the natural back of stave just under the cambium layer....  if there are defects or you tried to take down the back like osage then a rawhide backing or sinew would be better...even linen...but may be a very stout bow.

Here is some reading for you if you dont have Trad Bowyers Bible 1-4 or The Bent Stick....

 http://www.murraygaskins.com/durable.html

 http://www.murraygaskins.com/abw.html