Author Topic: A linen fabric backing?  (Read 4940 times)

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Offline keef

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A linen fabric backing?
« on: June 18, 2011, 03:03:47 pm »
 Hi folks
A bit of advice please.....

I'm currently finishing a laburnum bow, but have violated a good few growth rings on the sapwood back. This was almost inevitable, as the growth rings were so small and even light sanding seemed to play havock wiith them! I have burnished the back heavily, but still have nagging doubts in my mind about the strength under tension.

I have some very good quality Irish linen fabric, and think that this will be a good safety precaution.

My problem is that the back is fairly bumpy and undulating, and I'm concerned that the fabric will not adhere to the wood around these areas.....

Any thoughts???

Cheers

Keith
« Last Edit: June 19, 2011, 12:31:41 am by keef »

Offline toomanyknots

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Re: A linen fabric backing?
« Reply #1 on: June 18, 2011, 03:31:56 pm »
I size my back (with titebond 3) just like when doing a sinew backing and get everything good and glue soaked before I apply the backing. It should be fine if you make sure to get everything soaked in glue and run your hands over it to squeeze excess glue out/make sure it is sticking to the bumpy surface.
"The way of heaven is like the bending of a bow-
 the upper part is pressed down,
 the lower part is raised up,
 the part that has too much is reduced,
 the part that has too little is increased."

- Tao Te Ching, 77, A new translation by Victor H. Mair

Offline BowJunkie

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Re: A linen fabric backing?
« Reply #2 on: June 18, 2011, 05:29:56 pm »
I use Black Linen for a backing on the first bow I built 3 years ago, This bow is a red oak board bow. The bow had a lot of run off in it.
Still shooting it every weekend, pulls 55 @ 28. 68'' ntn , But like TommanyKnots said,,, make sure you size the back of the bow.
Also I came back over the top of the Linen with a thin layer of glue. Just make sure you give the glue plenty of time to cure.
Linen and TB III in my opinion makes a very durable backing. Good luck and put up some pics when you are done.
Johnny
in Texas

Offline BowJunkie

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Re: A linen fabric backing?
« Reply #3 on: June 18, 2011, 05:41:10 pm »
Just a side note, sometimes the linen fabric might have creases in it from folding and shipping.
If it does, be sure to borrow your wife's iron  ::) , and iron out the creases.
If not they will tend to show up once the glue cures.
Johnny
in Texas

Offline toomanyknots

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Re: A linen fabric backing?
« Reply #4 on: June 18, 2011, 07:38:32 pm »
Oh, and one thing is important, which is to find out if your linen stretches alot in one direction or not. If you got a good couple square yards, stretch in length wise, then width wise, and whichever way stretches the least, use that as the length wise for the bow.
"The way of heaven is like the bending of a bow-
 the upper part is pressed down,
 the lower part is raised up,
 the part that has too much is reduced,
 the part that has too little is increased."

- Tao Te Ching, 77, A new translation by Victor H. Mair

Offline jeffhalfrack

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Re: A linen fabric backing?
« Reply #5 on: June 18, 2011, 08:28:09 pm »
  DON'T  FORGET  to  wash  the  fabric,,,I  don't know  whats on  that  new  stuff  but it  doesn't like  glue JEFFW

Offline BowJunkie

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Re: A linen fabric backing?
« Reply #6 on: June 18, 2011, 11:00:26 pm »
That "stuff" on the linen that doesnt like glue is called  scotchguard.
Johnny
in Texas

Offline keef

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Re: A linen fabric backing?
« Reply #7 on: June 19, 2011, 12:35:31 am »
Thank you guys for taking the trouble to reply....Much appreciated

Will post up the bow when done

Cheers

Keith