Backing ERC

[autologus]

I have a source for nice dimensional ERC lumber up to 8/4 in thickness and was thinking about trying a backed ERC with it.  What would be your all's preference to back ERC boards.  I know sinew is good but was not sure on using it to back boards.

Grady

[gpw]

 Thin Hickory ...    ERC is one of our all time favorites for making the old style man tall ELBs ...   we use ~1/8”  quarter sawn Hickory and never had a failure ...   have made ERC ELBs up to 70#@28” ...  Very light in the hand , thick at the handle much like a Yew bow and a delight to shoot  big heavy arrows ... 
  Glue it up with some Perry reflex and it will be a “shooter” ...

[autologus]

Would quartersawn Ash work well for backing?  It would make for a real light physical weight bow.

Grady

[osagejack]

I would be very careful backing cedar,it is easy to over power the cedar  and when she goes it wont be quiet

[Josh B]

I haven't done it mind you, but I would think that ash would compliment erc quite well.  Erc has great compression properties, its the tension part that is responsible for its bad reputation.  Josh

[Cardboard_Duck]

I have made three hickory backed ERC bows and it works great.

[gutpile]

I believe rawhide would be your best backing if not using sinew..JMO..gut

[PatM]

Good Maple is another great choice for backing.

[vinemaplebows]

Bamboo, although the other woods mentioned are fine choices, and yes I have done it before.

[bcbull]

V maple id like see pic s of that boo ceader brock

[vinemaplebows]

I would be glad too, but Mullet has it, and gave it to his son-in-law I believe. I remember making that bow well, as I removed the top part of my index finger making it on the joiner.

VMB