Purpose of backing???

[acollins]

I have just about finished up building my first bow. It is a red oak 68" 46# @28". Man I had a lot of fun building it and can't wait to get started on another one. I have went and bought a drill press and put a sanding wheel and and picked up a nice band saw today.  So I am ready.  My question is on backing. What exactly is the reason for backing. I have shot the bow maybe 100 shots now with no backing. But I do not want to ruin it if I really need it on there. So please explain its need and what is the material of choice to be functional and look good.  Thanks

[acollins]

Probably should have posted on bowyers bench section. I will move it there please delete. Sorry.

[Kituwa]

Acollins,,backing is usually used to help keep splinters from lifting on some types of bows from the grain being cut into like a boardbow and some types of staves.Some almost demand it and others seldom need it.Common backing would be rawhide, hide glue and sinue and snake skins.Snake skins and rawhide dont increase the poundage but sinue can.

[pznuts]

You should get Paul Comstock's The Bent Stick.It's reasonable and is a wealth of knowledge. Was it a board bow or did you follow a ring?

[acollins]

Board