Help on draw length and backing

[Ike 403]

Hey folks, I have a couple of newbie questions...

My new bow has a linnen backing. Would applying a snakeskin backing over the linnen be a no-no? I want the skin for a strictly aesthetic purpose.

Question #2...How do I lengthen the draw? is it as simple as adjusting the string length or do I need to re-tiller? Currently, the bow has an approx. 28" draw. I would prefer 31-32".

Thanks for your help.
Ike

[Orion]

Snakeskin won't hurt or help the bow's strength.  It is just cosmetic.  You don't really lengthen the draw.  28 inches is the standard at which most draw weights are measured/posted.  Depending on the bow's draw weight at 28 inches and its length, it will gain about 2-3# per inch for each inch drawn past 28 inches.  If you have a linen backed bow, it's likely an older wooden unlaminated bow made in the 40s or 50s.  IMO, such a bow, unless it is at least 68 inches long shouldn't be drawn beyond 30 inches.  In short, don't bother putting snakeskins on it because at 31-32 inch draw, it will break, maybe not right away, but it will break.

[Ike 403]

Thanks Orion. I wont waste my time with the reptile hide then. My bow is a new one, non-laminate, just a big ol' hunk of hickory (I think). It is 68" long w/ a 28" draw (45#). It just seems like the draw is too short. Maybe it's my arms that are too short!

Anyways, thanks again, Orion.

[Pat B]

You could possibly retiller your bow to go to 30" or so. The linen backing is probably for insurence; to help keep it together. I would retiller it first and shoot it a while before adding a snake skin backing to be sure it will hold together at that draw length. At 68" you do have enough bow to make a 30" draw if the tiller allows it. With your bow beeing 45#@28" the weight will increase by about 3# per inch or so so you aren't talking about too much of a weight gain and by retillering your bow you will decrease that weight a bit.    Pat