backing question

[volarion]

Im making a hickory parymid bow and was wondering, has anyone tried putting alligator hide as a backing??? I know its geeky but I was planning on doing this bow with a red dragon theme. I appreciate any ideas and help, mainly how would I go about attaching/gluing the backing on.

Any design ideas are also appreciated.

[JW_Halverson]

You can back it with 1970's carpet from a Shaggin' Wagon panel van if that's your jollies!   

BUT if that gator hide is heavy/thick it will add mass to the limbs and slow them down.  On the other hand, if it is from a pretty small gator and is fairly thin it would work pretty good, I bet. 

I'd love to see it on a bow, that is for sure! 

[Bevan R.]

I assume it is taned leather. That means you will just be adding weight. Degrading the performance of the bow. Save the leather for cool arm guards, quivers, hand grips.
If you really must put it on, Titebond II would work.

Bevan

[volarion]

I do a lot of leatherworking so I was going to get tanned dyed hides from tandy leather, they are VERY thin almost paper and look awsome so it wouldnt really add too much weight (I think :p )