little question

[CedrikG]

Hi guys,

I am very new to making bow but am already very addicted to it. I just love so much to work the wood.

Anyway here's my dumb question :

If I do a fiber glass backing on my self bow, can I violate the grow ring on the back, or it is still essential to keep one grow ring.

Thanks in advance.

[Weylin]

If you put a fiberglass back on your self bow you will violate the spirit of the wood and it will definitely break. 

Honestly there are plenty of great natural backing including sinew, rawhide, linen, silk, etc. tat provide excellent protection. There's no reason to use fiberglass unless you really want a fiberglass bow, which is fine but if that's the case then this probably isn't the best place to get advice. I know Tradgang has a lot of fellas that do fiberglass over there. I'm not trying to chase you off, just letting you know what we do and talk about on this forum. What kinda bow are you making? any pictures yet?

[CedrikG]

haha.

I did'nt even know I could use something else as backing. I will do my researsh on this for sure! I very ... very agree with using natural material, I just did'nt know I could!

I will take some picture of my last bow I made very soon, it is on its end. That said ... I am sure there's one million mistake in it.

[Weylin]

There is a good chapter in the Traditional Boywer's Bible Vol. 1 about backings. I recommend reading that if you want more general knowledge about the different natural options.

[Roy]

If you back a self bow with glass, it won't be a self bow no more.  But no, you won't have to worry about the growth rings being violated when you back it. But we will never talk to you again if you do:)

[JW_Halverson]

Rawhide is so much nicer.  The fumes from hide glue are far less toxic.  Go ahead and read up on natural backings.  I think you will learn that they are easier and more satisfying!

[CedrikG]

Haha

I really like your mentality, I think the same !
After posting this I realised I needed to read more and talk less for now

been reading everyday post on the forum since then, and will continu to

[PEARL DRUMS]

Excellent plan Cedrik.

[JW_Halverson]

I needed to read more and talk less for now

People keep telling me that I need to learn that little lesson.   

Just don't stop asking questions, even if you are afraid they are the "wrong" questions.  In the search of knowledge, no question is wrong. 

[osage outlaw]

Here is a build-a-long that Bryce is currently doing.  I think he plans on backing his bow with sinew but isn't to that stage yet.  I'm sure he will have some good pictures of the backing process. 

http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,36617.0.html

[George Tsoukalas]

Info on my site.
http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/index.html
Jawge

[kevinsmith5]

Whatever you do, don't use drywall tape. Its just as expensive as buying linen (more considering how many bows ive backed with 1 yard of it), requires more glue, weighs more and therefore reduces cast, and that stuff is just plain U-glee.

[George Tsoukalas]

F....f....f...fi.. I can't even say it. Jawge

[turtle]

F....f....f...fi.. I can't even say it. Jawge

Looks like ya cant spell it either. 

[CedrikG]

realised I made a big mistake that might follow me for a long time by posting this thread ... 



working on my black ash bow right now. It has been drying for the last 8 month and seem's ready now. Been working a lot on it in the last weeks, the backing is all perfect, on the same annual ring and been sanding it for a while ... it is velvet smooth.

the tillering is pretty good now, been shaving it with a lime for a long time, slowly. I will give it as christmass gift for my father, only smooth sanding need to be done now and maybe some ... ''draw'' on it ... like tribal. I do not know what yet.