LINEN BACKING ON SAPLING BOWS ???

[bambam]

I have had good results on rawhide or linen backed red oak board bows but have been trying to do a true primitive. Got lots of big serviceberry here (known in Canada by the Cree name Saskatoon). My first one looked perfect on floor tillering and tillerboard, also test drawing. It de-laminated 2 growth rings on the back from a small knot I thought insignificant after a few shots. My current serviceberry project also seems tiller perfect but when I strung it tiny crack noises came from a pin knot area. Have a supply of beige natural linen and sinew cord. Thinking of backing it with linen and tight bond 3 then doing a cord wrap in problem knot are. The back of the bow is untouched except for bark removal.  Think this might work

[bushboy]

Never used saskatoon but it makes a great pie!lol!pics would help though.

[bubby]

Why isn't rawhide truly primitive

[joachimM]

On knotty backs i've had linen pop off when drawn. Currently, I tightly wrap inner bicycle tube around the limb, heat that to reliquify the hide glue, rub the limb with my hands to draw out excess glue, and let it cool. The next day I remove the tube and let it dry. This works fine for me.

Another thing with linen (raw flax): it's so strong (very high modulus of elasticity) that a small difference in placement (especially on knotty crowned backs) can make a big difference. Wheigh the amount to put on each limb carefully.

[Pat B]

I think I'd try to find a more appropriate stave than try to fix a bad one.